The impact of sports participation on mental health and social outcomes in adults: a systematic review and the ‘Mental Health through Sport’ conceptual model - Systematic Reviews

This systematic review examines the impact of community and elite-level sport participation on adults' mental health and social outcomes, analyzing studies published between 2012 and 2020. It found that sport participation, whether team-based or individual, is associated with improved mental health, including higher self-esteem, life satisfaction, and reduced depression, anxiety, and stress. Social benefits such as better self-control, pro-social behavior, interpersonal communication, and a sense of belonging were also noted. Team sports often provide greater advantages compared to individual sports, and frequent participation amplifies these benefits. However, elite-level athletes may face higher psychological distress. While qualitative studies showed consistent results, quantitative studies varied in methodological quality. The review supports the Mental Health through Sport model but highlights the need for more experimental and longitudinal research to understand the mechanisms and moderators of these effects. It also emphasizes the importance of exploring specific elements of the sporting environment to enhance outcomes.

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