Participation and motivation in sport in relation to general mental health and social physique anxiety
Authors
Byrne, Eavan
Issue Date
2014
Degree
Higher Diploma in Arts in Psychology
Publisher
Dublin Business School
Rights holder
Rights
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Abstract
The aim of this research was to investigate motives for participation in sport having regard to gender, type of sport, general mental health and social physique anxiety. It is a cross-sectional observational study comprising of correlational and between group elements. Participants were 120 females and 140 males from various sporting teams and clubs who volunteered to take part in the study. Each participant was asked to fill out a number of questionnaires based on participation motives, general health and social physique anxiety. Analysis of the data found that males and females participated in recreational and competitive sport mainly for social engagement and fitness enhancement. The study also found that females had higher competitive motives for participating in sport than males. Females were found to have higher levels of social physique anxiety than males. No significant difference in mental health levels existed between males and females. The data collected was analysed using an ANOVA, Independent t-tests and Pearson’s correlation. Further research is needed in the area of mental health and social physique anxiety among all sports participants.