The Impact of Extracurricular Physical and Sporting Activities on the Mental Health of Lower Secondary School Pupils (A comparative study between pupils who participate in and those who do not participate in extracurricular physical and sporting acti

Abstract This study sought to investigate the impact of extracurricular physical and sporting activities on the mental health of lower secondary school pupils. To this end, the researchers employed a comparative descriptive approach, as it was deemed appropriate for the nature and objectives of the study, the study sample comprised 60 pupils, selected through purposive sampling, of whom 30 were engaged in extracurricular physical and sporting activities. The mental health scale developed by Kaman and Fleet (1983) was utilised. The study confirmed and demonstrated the positive impact of extracurricular physical and sporting activities on promoting mental health among lower secondary school pupils, as well as identifying statistically significant differences between pupils who do and do not participate in extracurricular physical and sporting activities across all dimensions of mental health, with the group participating in such activities showing better outcomes.