Major
Nursing
Minor(s)
Thanatology
Advisor
Kenny, Colleen
Advisor Department
Nursing, College of
Date
4-2020
Keywords
Mental Health; Sport; Outcome
Abstract
KRISTEN MAHER (Nursing) Mental Health Outcomes in Adolescent Sports: More Helpful or Harmful? Sponsor: Colleen Kenny (Nursing) Athletes who grow up involved with sports, regardless of skill level, tend to gain positive and suffer negative mental health outcomes. Young children are put into sports in the hopes of learning teamwork, coordination, dedication, and the importance of physical activity. Depending on how long one is involved or how far one goes in sports, there is an apparent correlation to their overall mental wellbeing. As an outcome of high pressure demands and expectations from coaches, teammates, and parents, young athletes tend to gain favorable outcomes such as active lifestyles, and good time management. However, they also may acquire negative consequences such as depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. In the long run, are there more positive or more negative mental health outcomes when it comes to being involved in sports? After conducting a survey of 224 young adult athletes/retired athletes, there is a clearer understanding of the extent to which sports impact mental health in both positive and negative regards. Of the 224 participants surveyed, aged 15-24+, involved in a variety of sports, 73.7% feel that growing up in sports has been beneficial to their self-esteem. 15.6% feel that growing up in sports has been detrimental to their self-esteem, and 10.7% feel that sports have neither been beneficial nor detrimental to their self-esteem. Through the research study conducted over the past two months, and with supporting evidence from professional athlete reflections, there is evidence to conclude that most athletes face mental health issues from their sport at some point in their life. Whether these issues are ongoing or quickly solved is case dependent. This study suggests that the sports world needs to take the negative mental impacts of sports seriously. Coaches, athletes, and families must work together to find a balance between hard work and dedication, with mental wellbeing. It is apparent that being a high school or college athlete has cost many young adults their mental health and self-esteem.
Streaming Media
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