Research on mental health and sports motivation in relation to team sport and individual sport
Authors
McCann, Mairéad
Issue Date
2018
Degree
Higher Diploma in Arts in Psychology
Publisher
Dublin Business School
Rights holder
Rights
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Abstract
The aim of the research was to investigate mental health and sports motivation in relation to team sport and individual sport. It is a cross sectional, observational study that analysed differences between groups. A sample of 91 females and 21 males voluntarily took part in an online survey. General mental health, social support, self-esteem and motivation to participate in sport were measured in relation to the contexts of sport participation; team sport, individual sport, both team sport and individual sport and the non- exercise group. Participants completed General Health Questionnaire, Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale, The Sports Motivation Scale, the subscale of friends in the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support and an open-ended question on sport preference. A mixed methods design was used. Results from independent sample t-tests found significantly higher levels of social support and motivation including both intrinsic and extrinsic associated with team sports. This indicates that there are enhanced motivation benefits and social health outcomes in team sports.