Numerous prior studies of exercise and mental health have found that consistent exercise can reduce depression and improve feelings of physical and psychological well-being. Studies have shown that both aerobic and resistance exercise can produce this effect and, in some cases, reduce or eliminate the need for pharmacologic interventions.
These benefits have been found to extend not only to adults but also to adolescents. An interesting research question posed in a 2016 study looked at the social benefits derived from participating in team sports in high school. Is it the effects of exercise alone that yield psychological benefits, or do team sports specifically add a layer of protection against depression?
To answer this question, the authors designed a study with depressive symptoms as the outcome variable and individual versus team sports participation as important inputs/predictors. They proposed that “physical activity in the context of organized sport may foster positive mental health by providing opportunities for social interaction and connectedness” (p. 105).
Including data for the entirety of the secondary school years was important, so participants were initially assessed at the beginning of secondary school and the final data collection was completed in young adulthood, three years after secondary school. Of the 860 males and females with complete data, the average age at time of final assessment was 20.4 years. Covariates included sex, age, baseline depression, and parent’s education level (as a proxy for socioeconomic status).
Team sports versus individual sports participation was assessed repeatedly across the secondary school years. Individual sports “participation requires little to no group interaction and coordination for the achievement of goals” (p. 106). Examples of individual sports included swimming, gymnastics, dance, and wrestling. Some students participated in both team and individual sports, and analyses accounted for these variations.
About 13% of students participated in no sports, and about 52% participated in both team and individual sports. Number of years of team sports participation was predictive of fewer depressive symptoms in young adulthood. However, number of years of individual sports participation was not associated with depressive symptoms. Baseline depression and sex (female) were correlated with depressive symptoms in young adulthood.
The authors summarized their main findings and recommendations: “Although the effects in the model predicting depressive symptoms were small and should be replicated, prevention efforts aimed at reducing the prevalence and burden of depressive symptoms could be directed at promoting consistent team sport involvement throughout adolescence” (p. 108).
If exercise can reduce depressive symptoms, why wouldn’t participating in individual sports be as beneficial as team sports? It may be due to the “social nature of teams” and how these social relationships are emotionally beneficial to adolescents. Another possible explanation is that team sports participation promotes an “athletic identity” that can improve a teen’s social capital and integration into social circles.
When looking at these results, it’s crucial to consider that there might be additional factors not examined in the research that could impact how people experience symptoms of depression. For example, self-esteem and self-concept may have a strong influence on depression. Further, athletic ability may affect whether one chooses individual or team sports, therefore, recommending that all teens participate in team sports may not be a viable option. Future research should delve into the aspects of team sports that help produce the anti-depressant effects found in the current study.
Citation: Sabiston, C. M., Jewett, R., Ashdown-Franks, G., Belanger, M., Brunet, J., O’Loughlin, E., & O’Loughlin, J. (2016). Number of years of team and individual sport participation during adolescence and depressive symptoms in early adulthood. Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 38(1), 105-110.
©Jennie Dilworth, Ph.D