Open AccessThe Benefits and Barriers of Sport for Children From Low-Income Settings: An Integrative Literature Review
Author(s) -
Heather Nelson,
Shelley Spurr,
Jill Bally
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
sage open
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.357
H-Index - 32
ISSN - 2158-2440
DOI - 10.1177/21582440221087272
Subject(s) - coaching , thematic analysis , psychology , mental health , social benefits , applied psychology , qualitative research , sociology , social science , materials science , tailings , metallurgy , psychotherapist
The purpose of this integrative review was to examine the existing literature about the emotional and social benefits, as well as barriers and facilitators to sport participation for children from low-income settings. Thematic analysis was performed yielding three major themes: (1) emotional benefits of sport participation; (2) social benefits of sport participation; and (3) barriers and facilitators to sport participation. Overall, the thirteen studies showed positive emotional and social benefits for sport participation; however, one study found decreased mental health and one reported no significant findings. Facilitators such as psychological safety and social support are needed to encourage sport participation as significant barriers to sport participation continue to exist for children from low-income settings. Future areas of research include more longitudinal studies related to the role of sport, the environment, coaching style, and investigation into why participation rates continue to be decreased for children from low-income settings despite added social supports.