The main objective of this project is to develop an online evidence-based resource for youths' significant others (e.g., physical education teachers, youth workers, coaches, and parents) on the usage of physical activity and sport for the promotion of positive mental health and mitigation of mental illness. This project will align with the salutogenic approach by investigating how physical activity and sport may promote mental health and well-being of adolescents between 13 and 19 years of age. The project will implement the participatory approach where the materials will be created and informed by the youth themselves. The objectives of the project include:
(1) Contributing to the understanding of physical activity and sport practices that facilitate positive and prevent negative mental health outcomes in youth;
(2) Defining the principles of good practice and provide examples;
(3) Providing guidance on how to include youth perspectives on the provision of sport and physical activities to support mental health, and facilitate their participation;
(4) Developing evidence-based resources for youths' significant others to support using sport and physical activity in the context of mental health and their knowledge of the topic.
The project will be led by the ENGSO Youth, an independent youth body of the European Non-governmental Sports Organisation (ENGSO) based in Sweden. The Chair of Sport and Health Management will coordinate and run the research portion of the project. Other partnering organizations include researchers focused on mental health, international sport and physical activity advocacy organizations, and local sport clubs. Partnering organizations are the Rijeka Sports Association for Persons with Disabilities from Croatia, Sport Alges e Dafundo from Portugal, the International Sport and Culture Association from Denmark, Play2EDUCATE from Kosovo, Richard Bailey Education and Sport Ltd. from the United Kingdom, Istituto Superiore di Sanita from Italy, and Monalliku from Finland.
The project will start in January 2023, and the Chair of Sport and Health Management will host the kick-off meeting in Munich in February 2023.
Contact
Department of Sport and Health Management
Prof. Dr. Jörg Königstorfer
Uptown München Campus D
Georg-Brauchle-Ring 60/62
80992 München
Tel. +49.89.289.24558
Fax +49.89.289.24642
www.sg.tum.de/mgt