Bidirectional Associations between Sport Involvement and Mental Health in Adolescence

Stewart Anthony Vella · Christian Swann · Mark S. Allen · Matthew J. Schweickle · Chris Magee

149 citations0/0 files storedMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise

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Youth Development and Social Support Physical Activity and Health Sports and Physical Education Studies

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate potential bidirectional relationships between sport participation and mental health during early adolescence. METHODS: Data were taken from wave 5 (2012) and wave 6 (2014) of the K cohort of the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children. In total, there were 4023 participants (mean age = 12.41 yr, SD = 0.49 yr, at baseline), and this sample was followed up 24 months later. Cross-lagged panel models were used to examine bidirectional relationships between sport participation (hours per week for team, individual, and total sport participation) and mental health (total psychological difficulties, internalizing problems, and externalizing problems) as measured by the parent-report version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). RESULTS: Bidirectional relationships were evident between time involved in sport and overall mental health (Sport12→SDQ14: β = -0.048; SDQ12→Sport14: β = -0.062). Bidirectional relationships were also evident between time involved in sport participation and internalizing (social and emotional) problems (Sport12→SDQ14: β = -0.068; SDQ12→Sport14: β = -0.067). The relationship between time in organized sport and externalizing problems (conduct problems and inattention/hyperactivity problems) was not bidirectional. Externalizing problems predicted later sports participation (β = -0.039), but not vice versa. CONCLUSION: Findings demonstrate bidirectional relationships between sport participation and adolescent mental health. The design and implementation of youth sport programs should maximize mental health benefits, and programs should be designed, implemented, and marketed to be attractive to participants with poor psychosocial health.

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References

1997The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire: A Research Note 2002The Mental Health Continuum: From Languishing to Flourishing in Life 2003The coach–athlete relationship: a motivational model 2005Youth sport programs: an avenue to foster positive youth development 200510-Year Research Update Review: The Epidemiology of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Disorders: I. Methods and Public Health Burden 2009Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire as a Dimensional Measure of Child Mental Health 2004Promoting self-regulation through school-based martial arts training 1993Enhancement of children's self-esteem through social support training for youth sport coaches.

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