The Role of Physical Education in Promoting the Mental Health and Well-Being of Adolescents: The Perception of Maltese Physical Education Teachers and Sports Lecturers

Abstract

Statistics published by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2020 state that an estimated one out of every seven adolescents worldwide suffers from a mental health condition. In an era which places mental health and well-being (MHWB) on top of international agendas and policies, it is important to now focus on how to implement preventive measures. Schools can be an effective setting but unfortunately interventions in schools still only target diagnosed cases. Physical activity (PA) has been proven as an effective tool in addressing MHWB and it is mostly during physical education (PE) lessons that adolescents in schools get exposed to PA. However there is a lack of programmes and innovations that target the MHWB of students through PE. This study aims at addressing this gap by initially identifying the perception of local PE teachers and sports lecturers about the role of PE in promoting MHWB. A constructive grounded theory approach was adopted for this study in which four PE teachers and sports lecturers co-constructed knowledge with the researcher. A conceptual model emerged from an initial analytical framework that analysed the PE scenario, the pedagogical practices implemented to address the current diverse scenario, and the resulting consequences and outcomes in relation to MHWB. The model revolves around the casual atmosphere which characterises the PE lesson and which leads to the development of a relationship of trust between the students and the teacher. If the practices implemented address the students specific needs and preferences as well as equip them with life, carry-over skills, then PE can be a catalyst in addressing the MHWB of adolescents.