How important is sport and exercise for mental health?
Sports/exercise and mental health are often linked. Research shows that exercise can help you become and stay mentally healthy. Various studies show that exercise helps reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety (including Rebar et al., 2015). Although a causal relationship between exercise and mental health has not been proven, research shows that athletes have higher self-esteem and experience less stress than people who do not exercise (Ooms et al., 2020). Additionally, sports participation leads to better social skills and more positive interactions with others, especially in team and organized sports.
People who feel mentally unhealthy exercise significantly less than mentally healthy people (34% vs. 56% exercise, 80% vs. 91% exercise, respectively; Ooms et al., 2020). This seems to reinforce itself: exercise and exercise ensure better mental health, which in turn leads to more motivation to exercise and exercise (Biddle & Mutrie, 2008).
The fact that the relationship between sport/exercise and mental health is not always positive has been demonstrated by examples of abuse in top sports that have made the news in recent years (among others, gymnast Jennifer See). And not only at the top, but also in recreational sports, there are examples of unsafe sporting situations that have a negative impact on the mental health of participants. This relates to a wide range of problems, such as discrimination, eating disorders, abuse of power, match-fixing, bullying, sexual harassment, and the use of prohibited substances. A safe sporting climate is therefore a requirement to ensure that the positive aspects of sport and exercise on mental health can be expressed.
