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.