Citation

Jewett R, Sabiston CM, Brunet J, O'Loughlin EK, Scarapicchia T, O'Loughlin J. J. Adolesc. Health 2014; 55(5): 640-644.

Affiliation

Research Hospital Center of the Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.jadohealth.2014.04.018

PMID

24928804

Abstract

PURPOSE: This longitudinal study examined the association between participation in school sport during adolescence and mental health in early adulthood.

METHODS: Adolescents (n = 853) reported participation in school sport in each grade throughout the 5 years of secondary school. In early adulthood, participants reported depressive symptoms, level of stress, and self-rated mental health.

RESULTS: Involvement in school sport during adolescence was a statistically significant predictor of lower depression symptoms, lower perceived stress, and higher self-rated mental health in young adulthood.

CONCLUSIONS: School sport participation may protect against poor mental health in early adulthood. Policies to increase school sport participation may be warranted as part of public health strategies to promote mental health.

Language: en