A new study from Ohio State University reveals that adults who consistently played organized sports during their childhood have fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression than those who never played sports or quit sports. Notably, those who quit sports had worse mental health than those who never participated in them.
The research, published in the Sociology of Sport Journal, analyzed data from 3,931 adults across the country, focusing on their participation in sports during childhood and their current mental health. The results showed that continued participation in sports was linked to lower symptoms of depression and anxiety, while those who dropped out of sports reported the worst mental health outcomes.
Professor Chris Knoester, lead author of the study, stressed the mental health benefits of continuing to play sports, noting that most children drop out because they are not having fun or feel inadequate.
“If you play and persevere in a sport, it’s positive for your mental health, but if you play and then quit, it seems to be negative… and most kids quit.”
Lead author and Associate Professor Laura Upenieks said the reasons for school dropouts highlight the need to improve the youth sporting environment to make it more inclusive and enjoyable.
“Our findings on why children drop out of organised sports suggest that the current environment is less than ideal for everyone and that greater attention needs to be paid to barriers to participation.”
The most common reasons for dropping out were not having fun (45%) and feeling inadequate (31%). Other factors included a focus on grades, health issues, financial constraints, and interpersonal conflicts. Importantly, those who dropped out for interpersonal reasons, such as abuse from a coach (8%) or not getting along with team members, had worse mental health outcomes. However, those who dropped out to prioritize education showed better mental health in adulthood.
The study highlights the importance of creating a positive and supportive sporting environment for young people. Encouraging fun and inclusion, rather than placing too much emphasis on winning, can help sustain participation and support long-term mental wellbeing.
Chris also added:
“Our results suggest that by taking away fun from children and making them feel like they are not good enough, there could be knock-on effects in terms of damage to self-esteem and confidence that could reverberate into adulthood.”
Read how we can support more children with their mental health.
