Improved Social Functioning Mediated the Effects of Adolescents' Sports Participation on Self-Harm and Psychological Wellbeing: A Prospective Cohort Study.

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of self-harm, regardless of the presence of suicidal intent or not, has been increasing, and effective and accessible intervention strategies are needed. This study investigated whether sports participation in adolescence serves as a protective factor against the future development of self-harm or poor psychological wellbeing, as well as the relevant psychosocial mechanisms.

METHODS: A secondary data analysis was conducted using a nationally representative cohort in the United Kingdom, in which participants (n = 7361, 55.4% female) completed measures of sports participation (age 17), the number of close friends (age 19), life satisfaction (age 20), and self-harm and poor psychological wellbeing (age 25).

RESULTS: More frequent sports participation was prospectively associated with a lower risk of self-harm and better psychological wellbeing. Path analyses supported a significant serial mediation model whereby the effects of sports participation on self-harm and psychological wellbeing are mediated by an increased number of close friends and higher levels of life satisfaction.

CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that sports participation has potential value in optimizing mental health, particularly in reducing the likelihood of self-harm and improving psychological wellbeing. In addition, improved social relationships and life satisfaction mediated the impact of sports participation on self-harm and psychological wellbeing. Overall, the findings lay a solid foundation for further testing the benefit of encouraging sports participation among adolescents to optimize interpersonal functioning and mental health outcomes.