Sports Participation and Psychosocial Health in Elementary School Children

Objective: We examined the associations between sports participation and 3 aspects of psychosocial health in children, ie, internalizing problems, externalizing problems, and prosocial behavior. Methods: Cross-sectional data from 2062 Dutch fourth and fifth graders were obtained using a sports participation questionnaire and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Results: Fewer internalizing problems, fewer externalizing problems, and better prosocial behavior were found for sports club members. We also found fewer internalizing problems as frequency of sports participation increased. All associations were more prominent for boys. Conclusions: Given the positive associations between psychosocial health and sports participation, school administrators and policymakers should develop programs that encourage children to participate in organized sports activities.