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1- The EduHright Unit, Faculty of Education, Northwest University, Potchefstroom Campus, South Africa. , 55445047@mynwu.ac.za
2- The EduHright Unit, Faculty of Education, Northwest University, Potchefstroom Campus, South Africa.
2- The EduHright Unit, Faculty of Education, Northwest University, Potchefstroom Campus, South Africa.
Abstract: (16 Views)
Background. Team sports participation offers adolescents physical, psychological, and social benefits. It can reduce anxiety by promoting social connections, teamwork, and self-esteem. While individual studies suggest team sports can alleviate anxiety, a comprehensive review is needed to consolidate these findings.
Objectives. This study's objective was to systematically review the benefits of adolescent participation in team sporting activities, offering insights into its effects on anxiety reduction.
Methods. Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, an extensive search across three bibliographic databases, PubMed, PsycINFO, and Scopus, identified 859 academic papers from January 2019 to June 2024. A validity assessment was conducted based on the research's findings and rigour. The review included 10 studies based on the inclusion criteria. Drawing on a range of studies, evidence suggests that participation in sporting activities can significantly reduce anxiety levels in adolescents, providing physical and psychological benefits.
Results. Findings indicate that structured team sports are associated with significant anxiety reduction, particularly in sports like rugby and basketball that foster routines, peer support, and social engagement. General games provide moderate anxiety relief. Longer intervention duration and regular participation were correlated with sustained anxiety reduction. Gender influenced outcomes, with male adolescents reporting greater anxiety reductions.
Conclusion. This review underscores team sports as an effective intervention for adolescent anxiety, by emphasising the value of structured, sustained engagement. Results support promoting inclusive, community-based sports programs to enhance mental health resilience among youth. Future studies should use standardised assessments and balanced gender representation to optimise the therapeutic benefits of team sports for adolescents' mental health.
Objectives. This study's objective was to systematically review the benefits of adolescent participation in team sporting activities, offering insights into its effects on anxiety reduction.
Methods. Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, an extensive search across three bibliographic databases, PubMed, PsycINFO, and Scopus, identified 859 academic papers from January 2019 to June 2024. A validity assessment was conducted based on the research's findings and rigour. The review included 10 studies based on the inclusion criteria. Drawing on a range of studies, evidence suggests that participation in sporting activities can significantly reduce anxiety levels in adolescents, providing physical and psychological benefits.
Results. Findings indicate that structured team sports are associated with significant anxiety reduction, particularly in sports like rugby and basketball that foster routines, peer support, and social engagement. General games provide moderate anxiety relief. Longer intervention duration and regular participation were correlated with sustained anxiety reduction. Gender influenced outcomes, with male adolescents reporting greater anxiety reductions.
Conclusion. This review underscores team sports as an effective intervention for adolescent anxiety, by emphasising the value of structured, sustained engagement. Results support promoting inclusive, community-based sports programs to enhance mental health resilience among youth. Future studies should use standardised assessments and balanced gender representation to optimise the therapeutic benefits of team sports for adolescents' mental health.
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APPLICABLE REMARKS
APPLICABLE REMARKS
- Sporting activities that foster routines, peer support, and social engagement are associated with anxiety reduction.
- Sustained anxiety reduction is linked to regular and sustained sporting participation.
- Gender differences significantly impact anxiety reduction.
- This study recommends promoting inclusive, community-based sports programs to enhance mental health resilience among youth.
Type of Study: Systematic Review/Meta Analysis |
Subject:
Sport Psychology and its Related Branches
Received: 2025/05/4 | Accepted: 2025/08/18
Received: 2025/05/4 | Accepted: 2025/08/18
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