Examining the Association between Sports Participation and Mental Health of Adolescents

Abstract

Sports participation has been linked to various health outcomes; however, there is scant literature exploring this relationship in developing countries. We used a mixed method approach to examine the association between sports participation and mental health of Bangladeshi adolescents (n = 320; 13–17 years; 59% boys) and to explore sports preferences and barriers to sports participation across genders. A survey collected team and non-team sports participation, depression, and life satisfaction. Focus groups (16 boys, 16 girls) explored preferences for, and barriers to, sports participation. Regression analysis showed that higher team and non-team sports participation were associated with lower depressive symptoms in boys (β = −1.22, 95% CI:−2.55 to −0.10; β = −2.50, 95% CI:−3.83 to −1.16, respectively), while greater participation in team sports was associated with less depression in girls (β = −2.44, 95% CI:−4.63 to −0.24). Participation in team and non-team sports was positively associated with life satisfaction for boys and girls. Boys reported preferences for playing football and cricket, while girls favored skipping and running. Prolonged time on electronic devices was reported as barriers to sports participation in both genders. Furthermore, household chores, family restrictions, and unsafe environment were reported by girls. Participation in team sports may provide mental health benefits for both genders, while non-team sports may be more beneficial to boys than girls.

The Association Between Sports Participation and Mental Health Across the Lifespan

“…To find the association between sports participation and mental health, a total of 27 studies were reviewed, as shown in Table 1. Samples for the studies were collected from 15 countries, including Australia (12)(13)(14)(15), Belgium (16,17), Canada (18)(19)(20)(21)(22), Iran (23,24), USA (25)(26)(27), Norway (28,29), Denmark (30), Scotland (6), Finland (31), Germany (32), Netherlands (33), Spain (34), England (35), Pakistan (36) and Bangladesh (37). The studies had about equal numbers of male and female participants, with the exception of a few studies, including those with solely male participants (15,30,31).…”

“…Sports participation was connected with fewer mental health and dietary problems for boys and girls (27). Participation in team sports was associated with a lower risk of psychological distress and reduced depression symptoms in adolescent females (29,37). Sports participation led to reduced smoking and a type of personality that was resistant to alcohol and drug addiction (32,34).…”

Adherence to 24-hour movement guidelines and their association with depressive symptoms in adolescents: Evidence from Bangladesh

“…A set of covariates was collected including age, sex, school, and family-level data (e.g., mother's education, father's education, family income), based on earlier research. 28 , 39 Body mass index (BMI) were computed using objectively collected weight and height data from the participants and their z -scores were computed using age- and sex-specific reference data from the WHO. 40 Underweight was defines as BMI- z score less than −1 standard deviation ( SD ), normal weight as BMI- z score between −1 SD and + 1 SD , and overweight/obese as BMI z -score greater than + 1 SD .…”

Team Sports as Catalysts for Holistic Student Wellness: Insights from a General Review

“…Qualitative insights from focus group discussions highlight gender-specific preferences and obstacles in sports engagement, with boys leaning towards competitive, high-intensity sports and girls favoring less intense social activities. Identified barriers encompass excessive screen time, academic demands, cultural expectations, and a scarcity of facilities and opportunities [33]. Additionally, being part of team sports and sports clubs offers vital social and psychological support, beneficial for mental health [34,35].…”