Sport participation as a factor associated with psychological well-being among university students
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v82.119565Keywords:
College students , life satisfaction, physical activity, psychological distress, sport participationAbstract
Introduction: university students’ mental health was addressed from a multidimensional perspective, integrating indicators of psychological distress and positive psychological functioning. Sport participation was considered a possible factor associated with psychological well-being and the development of personal and social competences.
Objective: the study aimed to analyze the level of sport participation among students at the University of La Rioja, explore its relationship with psychological distress, life satisfaction and perceived competence, and examine students’ subjective perceptions of the relationship between physical activity and well-being.
Methodology: the sample comprised 1012 university students. Sociodemographic, sport-related and psychological variables were collected through standardized questionnaires and ad hoc questions. Association analyses, multivariate analysis of variance, univariate analyses and qualitative content analysis of an open-ended question were conducted.
Results: almost 60% of students participated in sport. Sport context was significantly associated with gender, academic year and faculty. Students involved in competitive sport reported lower psychological distress, higher life satisfaction and higher perceived competence. The qualitative analysis showed a predominantly positive evaluation of physical activity.
Discussion: the results were consistent with previous research linking physical activity and sport with better well-being indicators, although they highlighted differences according to the context of practice.
Conclusions: university sport constitutes a relevant context for promoting psychological well-being and the development of psycho-social competences.
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