New research shows the power of sport in improving young girls’ mental health.
As the youth mental health crisis continues to unfold across the United States, recent research from the Women’s Sports Foundation (WSF) shows that sports have the transformative power to strengthen the mental health and well-being of young girls. . With rates of anxiety and depression still disproportionately high in girls, this study shows that sport can play a vital role in reducing symptoms of both while providing a sense of purpose and fulfillment. is emphasized.
In 2019, one in three U.S. high school students admitted to struggling with persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, according to the 2021 Surgeon General’s Recommendations on Adolescent Mental Health. This figure represents a staggering 40% increase since 2009. Teenage girls in particular are bearing the brunt of the crisis, with more than half reporting these feelings in 2023, according to the CDC. Alarmingly, suicide remains the second leading cause of death among young people aged 10 to 14 and those aged 20 to 34, and a third of teenage girls will die in 2021. He reportedly seriously considered suicide.
Among these alarming statistics, sports in a supportive and inclusive environment stand out for their ability to help girls not only survive, but thrive. A recently released WSF study titled “Thriving Through Sport: The Transformative Impact on Girls’ Mental Health” calls for greater equity in sport, given the positive effects of sport on mental health. New data and practical recommendations are provided to continue the fight. Fifty years after the passage of the landmark Title IX sex discrimination law, girls still lag behind their male peers in participation in sports. According to WSF, approximately 40% of teenage girls are not actively participating in sports. Additionally, $1.13 million more is invested in sports opportunities for boys than girls, according to the National Federation of State High School Associations.
The report found that participating in sports may actually reduce depression and anxiety. In fact, research shows that girls who play sports are 1.5 to 2.5 times less likely to experience mental health problems than girls who don’t play sports. Only 17% of girls who play sports experience moderate to severe depression, compared to 29% of girls who have never played sports. Beyond these direct health benefits, sport also provides promotive and protective benefits, such as her 1.5 times higher scores on peer relationships and 1.5 times higher reported levels of meaning and purpose. It turned out to be. These benefits extend beyond race, household income, parental education, sexual identity, and disability status.
“So many young people are struggling with mental health issues. This is a significant public health concern.” Dr. Claudia Reardon, professor in the Department of Psychiatry, School of Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Wisconsin. “This new WSF research shows that sport can play a powerful role in supporting the mental health of girls. Beyond physical activity, girls also engage with their peers through play. You will learn to build relationships and work as a team.”
This opinion was echoed by WSF CEO. Danette Layton. “The ongoing mental health crisis in society is a serious challenge for all ages, but especially young people, and calls for action from all of us. Our data shows that if sport is done right, , it gives us hope that it can be a tool to support girls’ spirits. “If we help girls grow, we all win,” she said. The Thriving Through Sports study is just the latest data from the foundation, which has historically leveraged evidence-based research, advocacy and community programs to help women excel in sports. WSF was founded in 1974 as one of the first organizations to promote strong connections between access to sport, equity and society.
Leighton said WSF is more focused than ever on improving access to sport for girls, given the positive impact sport has on mental health. “Equitable access is especially important given this new research showing that the mental health benefits of sport are a major equalizer. But he can play, compete and lead,” she wrote in the report.
Read the full report on the Women’s Sports Foundation.
