Setting Up For Success: The Mental Health Benefits of Youth Activity and Sport

Play for Mental Health?

In a climate where depression has become the leading cause of disability across the world, it has led to more research about what may be the cause and ways to decrease the likelihood of suffering from mental illnesses.  The cases of mental health problems are increasing every year and many people are found stuck looking for help.  Doctors are prescribing patients antidepressants and other medications to try to alter hormones in the body to a more normal level.  As a parent it is a responsibility to try to set up your child for the best chance of success in their lives.  If there was a clear cut way to help your child to have less of a chance to develop mental illness surely all parents would listen right?  The current research is now showing a direct relationship between participation in youth sport and a decreased likelihood of developing depression and other mental illness. 


Effects of Youth Sport

The evidence was overwhelming in support that participation in youth sport leads to higher levels of mental health. 

    • Children reported less depressive symptoms and higher levels of self esteem 
    • Children that did participate in youth sport have a higher chance of favorable mental health into adolescence and adulthood.   
    • Lastly there was a much greater risk for children and even adults that are sedentary to develop depression and negative mental health outlooks.  



Table 1 shows a study that looks at children who discontinued participation in youth sport and those that continued to play their sport.  As it is evident children that stuck with their sport had much better relationships with coaches and peers and well as self perceived competence.  A child that plays in youth sport will develop a better support group amongst their peers than a child that does not.   

Sports and Play

The good news about this research is that typically all forms of physical activity in children will generally increase their mood and help protect their mental health.  Sport is not the end all and best form of activity so it is important to also listen to the child and what they want to do, but encourage them to be as active as possible.  The sport itself does not even have to be competitive, as long as the child is up and active.  

As an adult it is also important to apply this research to yourself as well.  The research coming forward also shows that physical activity in adults makes a major impact as well.  A sedentary lifestyle for anyone of any age is not healthy and will lead to to physical health problems as well as mental health issues in many cases.  

Encourage!

It is important to encourage children to get out and play with the knowledge we have about physical activity, specifically in youth sport and the link to better mental health outcomes.  The culture around youth sport needs to change and become and environment less focused on winning and more about the children and their enjoyment and development.  After all it is the children who are participating.  I encourage all coaches to sit down and reflect on if they are creating an environment centered around the child and their experience.  

My advice for youth coaches:

-involve all players

-less of a win or bust mindset

-create a fun learning environment that will lead to retention of the young athlete 

My advice for parents:

-be supportive of your child

-encourage them to get out and play outside of their sport(s)

-LISTEN to your child and what they like or dislike about their sport or activities




For more information on the benefits of youth sport for your child

https://www.ncys.org/beyond-endorphins-the-mental-health-benefits-of-youth-sports/

https://www.metroymcas.org/blog/2019/08/20/youth-programs/5-mental-health-benefits-of-youth-sports/

About The Author


Daniel Arens is a senior at Westfield State University studying Movement Science with a concentration in Sports Medicine.  After graduation he plans on continuing his education at graduate school in order to become a Physical Therapist.  Daniel can be contacted at @danarens3@gmail.com



















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