The impact of sports participation on psychological health and social outcomes in children and adolescents: a systematic review and update to the “Mental Health through Sport” conceptual model

This review provides compelling evidence that organized sport participation supports psychological and social development in children and adolescents. Sport was consistently associated with higher self-esteem, greater life satisfaction, and lower symptoms of depression and anxiety, with team sports showing stronger and more consistent benefits than individual sports. Social outcomes-including enhanced belonging, prosocial behavior, and interpersonal skills-were also evident, underscoring the unique contribution of sport as a social context for development. The refined conceptual model proposed here identifies self-perceptions, peer belonging, and social support as central mechanisms, offering a developmentally informed framework for leveraging sport to promote youth mental health. These findings highlight sport, especially inclusive and well-structured team sports, as a powerful setting for fostering psychological well-being and positive social outcomes, warranting prioritization in youth development policies and programs.