Moderating effects of team sports participation on the link between peer victimization and mental health problems

Abstract

This study examined the moderating role of sports participation in the concurrent and longitudinal links of peer victimization with depressive symptoms and externalizing problems. The sample consisted of 1250 participants assessed between ages 7 and 10 years. Children's levels of peer victimization, depressive symptoms and externalizing problems were assessed by teachers. Mothers reported on children's sports participation. Regression analyses revealed that victimized children who often participated in team sports at age 8 years displayed significantly fewer depressive symptoms concurrently compared to victims who rarely participated in such activities. Participation in team sports also counteracted (via a main effect) the longitudinal effect of victimization on depression symptoms two years later. Moreover, victimized children who often participated in team sports showed significantly fewer externalizing problems at age 10 compared to children who rarely participated in such activities. This moderating effect of team sports was partly mediated by a decrease in victimization at age 10. Specifically, victimized children who were part of a sporting team at age 8 were less victimized two years later, which accounted for part of the decrease in externalizing problems at age 10. Similar benefits were not apparent when victimized children participated in individual sports. These results suggest that sports participation may be beneficial in regard to several aspects of development, specifically for children who suffer from peer victimization. However, potential benefits may vary depending on the type of sports played.