scholarly journals Investigating the effect of sports participation on the mental health and wellbeing of adolescents in New Zealand

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olivia McGifford

<p>The physical health benefits of sports participation have been well-established, however, the influences on mental health and wellbeing may still be unclear (Slater & Tiggemann, 2011; Steiner et al., 2000). The argument currently stands that sports participation has positive influences on mental health and wellbeing for adolescents, however, there are movements towards the concept that the sporting environment may foster negative experiences for adolescents. Two studies were conducted in order to assess the relationship between sports participation and wellbeing. Study One firstly examined sex differences and effect of sports participation on wellbeing. Consistent with previous research, females demonstrated higher levels of depression and anxiety, while males exhibited higher levels of self-esteem. Sports participation only influenced levels of depression, and not anxiety or self-esteem. Self-esteem mediated the relationship between gender and wellbeing, while sports participation did not. Study Two investigated the effect of sports participation on the wellbeing of adolescent males in New Zealand. A particular focus was taken on the possible negative influence New Zealand rugby culture may have on wellbeing. Contrary to previous research, sports participation did not have an effect on depression, anxiety, stress, conformity to masculine norms or sporting identity. Those who played an individual sport had higher levels of self-esteem and sports orientation compared to those who did not play sports, but not team sports or rugby. This research is one of the first to look at male adolescents and more specifically rugby culture and its effects on wellbeing. Mixed results from Study One and Two indicate that there are possibly gaps in the theory about sports participation and its effect of wellbeing, suggesting that further research is needed to expand the knowledge around this relationship.</p>

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olivia McGifford

<p>The physical health benefits of sports participation have been well-established, however, the influences on mental health and wellbeing may still be unclear (Slater & Tiggemann, 2011; Steiner et al., 2000). The argument currently stands that sports participation has positive influences on mental health and wellbeing for adolescents, however, there are movements towards the concept that the sporting environment may foster negative experiences for adolescents. Two studies were conducted in order to assess the relationship between sports participation and wellbeing. Study One firstly examined sex differences and effect of sports participation on wellbeing. Consistent with previous research, females demonstrated higher levels of depression and anxiety, while males exhibited higher levels of self-esteem. Sports participation only influenced levels of depression, and not anxiety or self-esteem. Self-esteem mediated the relationship between gender and wellbeing, while sports participation did not. Study Two investigated the effect of sports participation on the wellbeing of adolescent males in New Zealand. A particular focus was taken on the possible negative influence New Zealand rugby culture may have on wellbeing. Contrary to previous research, sports participation did not have an effect on depression, anxiety, stress, conformity to masculine norms or sporting identity. Those who played an individual sport had higher levels of self-esteem and sports orientation compared to those who did not play sports, but not team sports or rugby. This research is one of the first to look at male adolescents and more specifically rugby culture and its effects on wellbeing. Mixed results from Study One and Two indicate that there are possibly gaps in the theory about sports participation and its effect of wellbeing, suggesting that further research is needed to expand the knowledge around this relationship.</p>


2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (6) ◽  
pp. 833-845
Author(s):  
Briege Casey ◽  
Margaret Webb

The relationship between processes of mental health recovery and lifelong learning is an area of increasing international interest. Experiences of transformation, positive effects on self-esteem, self-insight, and empowerment have been identified regarding both endeavors. Recognition of these benefits has stimulated collaborative development of educational programs in personal development, self-efficacy, and recovery principles. The importance of evaluating this educational provision has been emphasized; however, there has been little detailed exploration of students’ experiences and perceptions of recovery and learning in the context of recovery education programs. In this article, we present a participatory arts-based inquiry with 14 women, including mental health service users, who undertook a recovery training program to support their roles as mental health support workers in Ireland. Participatory visual analysis revealed three recurring themes; the interrelatedness of learning and recovery journeys, knowledge as a source of stability and rescue and the need for resilience in learning and recovery.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Tessa Lynch

<p>Generally, one in five New Zealanders experience mental illness. Majority of lifelong mental illnesses begin before the age of 25, presenting a real problem for youth. In 2018, young people of New Zealand called for more help as they rallied outside parliament. The government responded by allocating more money towards student mental health. Yet, employing more counsellors, which is necessary, is not the only way to contribute to an urgent need for a new approach towards supporting mental health and wellbeing.   This research portfolio responded to this complex situation by developing ‘a guide’ for the design of tertiary spaces supportive of wellbeing. One of the most important goals of this work was to align the research closely with user needs and views, therefore research methods involved including students views in more than one phase of development. The work draws on evidence based design, geography, health and architectural theory and the existing wellbeing knowledge. Engagement with the users, observation, experiments and real life interventions were critical in refining a conceptual framework which kept the users at the centre of the process. The outcome of this research was a resource to guide the design of tertiary space for wellbeing, using five intervention points, which could have a positive effect on the student wellbeing if implemented as a system.  New Zealand must shift the current model of mental health care towards more holistic understandings of health, which better incorporates Māori health and wellbeing. Despite New Zealand’s bicultural values, Māori experience significantly higher rates of mental illness. This prompted to design with the same understandings of hauora (health). As a result, the conceptual framework presented a multi-dimensional, interconnected understanding of wellbeing through an integrated framework exploring physical, cultural, social, learning and spiritual environments.   While it is acknowledged that environments can affect our mental health, this is an under researched field requiring motivation to stimulate discussion and change. This research advocates wellbeing as a central focus in the design of our built environments and explores the opportunity for architecture to facilitate our student and national wellbeing goals.</p>


Author(s):  
Julia L. Hennessy ◽  
Liz Smythe ◽  
Max Abbott ◽  
Frances A. Hughes

This chapter provides the background for policy setting, educational preparation, and emergence of mental health support workers (MHSWs) in New Zealand and examines the work they do in mental health services. New Zealand formally introduced the MHSW role in the early 1990's to provide non-clinical services for mental health consumers or clients through either hospital or community-based services. The work MHSWs undertake and their relationship with other health professionals is discussed. Also discussed, is the relationship that MHSWs have with mental health consumers/clients and the attributes that the MHSW brings to the relationship. Consideration is given to the debate as to whether the role of the MHSW should be regulated, what it means to be considered a health professional, and the possibilities of expanding the scope of practice for MHSWs.


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