The role of social-emotional skills in sports participation and mental well-being across different demographics

Abstract

This study investigated the mediating role of social-emotional skills in enhancing mental well-being through sports participation, as well as the moderating effects of gender, age, socio-economic status, and sports culture across various sites. Data on social-emotional skills were analyzed from 61,010 participants across ten global sites, sourced from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development database. The findings indicated that social-emotional skills significantly mediated the relationship between sports participation and mental well-being, with varying contributions from each skill domain. Moreover, the interactions among these three variables exhibited varying patterns based on gender, age, socio-economic status, and sports culture. In conclusion, this study highlights the crucial role of sports socialization in enhancing mental well-being. Tailoring sports participation according to gender, age, and socio-economic status is essential, while maintaining a balanced emphasis on competitive sports culture. Certain limitations are acknowledged and further directions are suggested.

Educational relevance statement

This study underscores the significant societal role of sports in fostering social-emotional skills and their crucial role in enhancing the mental well-being of children and adolescents. Furthermore, it demonstrates the varying effects of sports activities across different groups. These findings provide invaluable insights for educators and developmental psychologists, suggesting that future educational interventions should incorporate sports activities to engage children and adolescents and cultivate social-emotional skills while optimizing mental well-being. Additionally, this study highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, advocating for a concerted effort among physical educators, psychologists, and other professionals to design and implement comprehensive programs that cater to the holistic development of children and adolescents from diverse socio-cultural backgrounds.