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Research: Team Spirit! Sport Participation Enhances Mental Health

Sport participation improves adult mental health, with team sports offering added social benefits like increased self-esteem, life satisfaction, and connection. The study introduced a ‘Mental Health through Sport’ model showing how physical activity and social interaction support wellbeing, though elite athletes may face greater psychological stress. Australian universities could use these findings to promote inclusive campus sports programs that foster connection and improve mental health, while also providing targeted support for elite student-athletes.

Citation: Eather, N., Wade, L., Pankowiak, A., Eime, R. 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, 12, 2023. (link)

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