Practicing sport in a club would improve general well-being and mental health, according to a literature review.
Multiple virtues of the sports club. A literature review confirms the idea that practicing sport in a club does not only bring physiological benefits, but also well-being and mental health. The literature review, conducted by researchers from the University of Vienna on 1685 studies, will be presented on August 22 during a session at the European Forum Alpbach in Austria.
This work aims to assess the real effects of club sport on mental health. Several conclusions were drawn from the examination of the various studies reviewed.
Social integration, satisfaction …
First, the fact of being an active member of a sports club during adolescence facilitates a person’s integration into society and “encourages young people not to take the wrong path”, write writers. These young athletes have increased self-confidence, “especially in the case of girls”.
Belonging to a sports club has a positive effect on general well-being and mental health, especially on feelings of “vitality” and satisfaction. “These effects are much more marked than those resulting from an individual sporting activity”, explain the authors.
The benefits of club sport were seen across all age and gender categories. Recent work has suggested that these activities could prevent the development of dementia. “Social contact keeps you energized, because it’s all about responding to your counterpart. It improves cognitive faculties ”.
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