Psychosocial Benefits Research Articles

“I can feel the money going out of the window”: How high energy prices evoke negative emotions in people with previous experience of homelessness

Current research on how energy vulnerability impacts the meaning of ‘home’, especially for those in marginalised groups, is limited. This research adds to the understanding of how high energy prices affect one of the most vulnerable sections of society: those at risk of or with experiences of homelessness. Through 15 in-person interviews with social housing tenants in Ireland who have recently exited homelessness, we find that high energy prices continue to affect the psychosocial benefits associated with ‘home’ in three different ways: 1) the constant pressure of monitoring energy expenses and lifestyle adjustments; 2) navigating the uncertainty of energy expenses and; 3) the impacts of negative emotions like stress and anxiety induced by high energy prices on tenants' fragile state of mental health and wellbeing. Based on the findings, we argue that living with high energy prices continues to interfere with the meaning of ‘home’ in an already vulnerable cohort, leading to deep senses of ontological insecurity. Therefore, specifically designed policy support is required to address energy vulnerability in people exiting homelessness, as ontological insecurity affects their mental and physical wellbeing, jeopardising their chances of a permanent transition from homelessness. Our findings indicate that perhaps a dual financial and social support system is needed to address the specific energy needs of vulnerable groups, that would provide intensive guidance for them as they settle into new routines and responsibilities. Policies to solve homelessness can be more impactful if they adequately address energy affordability-related challenges while a person transitions from homelessness.

K-Pop Fanship and Fandom: Relationship with Self-Esteem and Social Connectedness as Psychosocial Benefits

K-Pop Fanship and Fandom: Relationship with Self-Esteem and Social Connectedness as Psychosocial Benefits

Association of Pubertal Blockade at Tanner 2/3 With Psychosocial Benefits in Transgender and Gender Diverse Youth at Hormone Readiness Assessment

PurposeCompare psychosocial function at the time of hormone readiness assessment for transgender and gender diverse (TGD) youth who received pubertal blockade to prevent a nonaffirming puberty with those who did not. MethodsRetrospective cohort study of psychological assessment data from hormone readiness evaluations conducted at a multispecialty gender clinic. Participants include all TGD youth between the ages of 13 and 17 assessed for hormone readiness between 2017 and 2021. ResultsOur cohort consisted of 438 TGD youth, 40 who were prescribed pubertal blockade at Tanner stage 2 or 3, and 398 who had not. The blocker population was younger, more likely to be assigned male and affirming a female identity, and had a different racial/ethnic identity distribution. Having puberty blocked was associated with significantly lower T-scores on the Youth Self Report for internalizing problems (β = −7.4, p < .001), anxiety problems (β = −4.6, p = .003), depressive problems (β = −6.5, p < .001), stress problems (β = −4.0, p = .01), and total problems (β = −4.9, p = .003). The blocker population was also significantly less likely to report any suicidal thoughts (odds ratio = 0.38, p = .05). With the exception of increased risk of suicidal thoughts, these associations remained significant when adjusted for gender. DiscussionAt the time of hormone readiness evaluation, TGD youth who received pubertal blockade at Tanner 2 or 3 were found to have less anxiety, depression, stress, total problems, internalizing difficulties, and suicidal ideation than TGD peers who had been through more of a nonaffirming puberty.

Real-world lived experience of older adults with type 1 diabetes after an automated insulin delivery trial.

First-generation closed-loop automated insulin delivery improves glycaemia and psychosocial outcomes among older adults with type 1 diabetes in clinical trials. However, no study has previously assessed real-world lived experience of older adults using closed-loop therapy outside a trial environment. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with older adults who were pre-existing insulin pump users and previously completed the OldeR Adult Closed-Loop (ORACL) randomised trial. Interviews focused on perceptions of diabetes technology use, and factors influencing decisions regarding continuation. Twenty-eight participants, mean age 70 years (SD 5), were interviewed at median 650 days (IQR 608-694) after their final ORACL trial visit. At interview, 23 participants (82%) were still using a commercial closed-loop system (requiring manual input for prandial insulin bolus doses). Themes discussed in interviews relating to closed-loop system use included sustained psychosocial benefits, cost and retirement considerations and usability frustrations relating to sensor accuracy and system alarms. Of the five participants who had discontinued, reasons included cost, continuous glucose monitoring-associated difficulties and usability frustrations. Cost was the largest consideration regarding continued use; most participants considered the increased ease of diabetes management to be worth the associated costs, though cost was prohibitive for some. Almost 2 years after completing a closed-loop clinical trial, closed-loop automated insulin delivery remains the preferred type 1 diabetes therapy for the majority of older adult participants. Chronological age is not a barrier to real-world successful use of diabetes technology. Identifying age-related barriers, and solutions, to diabetes technology use among older adults is warranted.

Factors guiding gastrostomy tube decision-making for caregivers of children with cystic fibrosis: a scoping review protocol

IntroductionWhile ensuring appropriate growth is essential for all children, optimising nutritional status in children with cystic fibrosis (CF) is critical for improving health outcomes. Nutritional challenges in CF are multifactorial...

Vocational skill training programs for persons with intellectual disability (PID) and trainers' perspective during and post vocational skill training.

Employment is one of the primary goals of persons with intellectual disabilities (PID). Employment can lead to positive psychosocial and economic benefits for people with ID, but people with disabilities are not afforded this opportunity to contribute to society through work due to multiple challenges, as well as the transition from vocational skill training to getting employed for PID is more challenging. Seven vocational skill trainers were chosen from the seven vocational skill training centres offering skill training for PID and located in urban Bengaluru were selected using a purposive sampling design for this study. The trainers were interviewed to understand their perspectives on challenges during and post vocational training for PID. Training offered to PID in several vocational centres ranged from unskilled to semi-skilled. A range of barriers including gaps in awareness and knowledge of the various training programs for PID challenges associated with their transition after training, unique challenges in placing the trained PID into external organizations, stigma, and attitudinal barriers associated with disability are described to be influencing the skill training of PID and their subsequent employment. Skill training offered for PID across the centres with significant challenges while providing the training and supporting their transition into the community for employment. The challenges of the PID need to be studied at a broader level through including all the stakeholders.

Implementation and Impact of Health Care Gardens: A Systematic Scoping Review.

Background: In community and school settings, gardens and garden interventions have been shown to confer several psychosocial, physiological, and nutritional benefits. However, little is known about the implementation and impact of health care gardens on patients, visitors, and staff health and well-being. The primary aim of this review is to identify and describe the types of gardens and common design elements implemented in health care settings and the impact these gardens have on the health and well-being of patients, visitors, and staff. A secondary aim is to assess the quality of available evidence. Methods: PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, and PsycINFO were systematically searched on October 28, 2022. Primary qualitative and quantitative studies (excluding case reports and studies) were eligible for inclusion if they described the types of gardens and common design elements implemented in health care settings (hospitals, aged care, rehabilitation facilities, and medical centers) and/or assessed the impact of garden interventions on the health and well-being of patients, visitors, and staff. Review, selection, and data extraction were conducted by two independent researchers, with findings synthesized and presented in narrative form. Articles were critically appraised using the mixed methods appraisal tool (MMAT). Results: Eighteen articles were included. Eight studies provided detailed descriptions of the types of gardens implemented in health care settings (healing [n = 3], therapeutic [n = 2], sensory [n = 2], children's fairy gardens [n = 1], and enriched [n = 1] gardens). Studies examining the psychosocial impacts of gardens were most frequently reported (n = 16), followed by physical (n = 4) and nutritional (n = 2). A wide range of positive outcomes, predominantly relating to patients (n = 12), were reported, including improvements in stress, quality of life (QOL), cognitive function, physical activity, and fruit and vegetable intake. The evidence was heterogeneous and low-medium quality. Conclusions: The findings suggest that implementing gardens and garden interventions in health care settings may positively impact the health and well-being of patients, visitors, and staff. Most studies related to the impact of gardens on patients' mental health and QOL, indicating the need for further research to explore physical and nutritional outcomes, as well as health outcomes of staff and visitors. Findings also suggest the need for high-quality study designs (e.g., cluster control trials) and standardized measurement tools.

Did our cochlear implant program make any difference in the lives of our patients? Achievements of 30 patients with long term follow-up averaging 20 years after cochlear implantation

Background Cochlear implants are standard of care for the patients with sensorineural hearing loss not benefited from hearing aids Aims Evaluate qualitatively the impact of cochlear implantation in the long-term. Materials-methods Thirty middle-class patients with similar patterns of loss and social environment averaging 20 years post-implantation responded to 52 questions that evaluated psychosocial benefits from cochlear implantation. Results All completed secondary education and 93% had postgraduate studies. Educational and workwise they are at the same level as their hearing counterparts. All use their cochlear implants and would recommend one to people who need it. They attribute their success to the implant, the rehabilitation program, their family, and a stimulating social environment. Despite their success, most experience difficulties relating with others (socially and at work) due to their hearing condition. They manage but work much harder than their hearing peers to achieve the same. Conclusions We made a difference in the lives of these patients, however, there is more to be done. Significance Early intervention, rehabilitation, plus family, and stimulating-environment are crucial in children with sensory deficits.

“Sex without fear”: exploring the psychosocial impact of oral HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis on gay men in England

Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) experience a high prevalence of psychosocial health problems, such as harmful substance use and depression, as well as being disproportionately affected by HIV. HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) may provide psychosocial benefits beyond its intended purpose of reducing HIV infection. We explore the psychosocial impact of oral PrEP use on gay men in England using qualitative data from the PROUD study. From February 2014 to January 2016, semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 40 gay men and one trans woman. Participants were purposively recruited based on trial arm allocation, adherence, and sexual risk behaviours. By removing HIV risk from sex, PrEP improves users’ wellbeing by reducing HIV-related anxiety and internalised stigma and increasing HIV prevention self-efficacy, sexual pleasure, and intimacy. In turn, these psychological changes may influence behaviour in the form of greater sexual freedom, reduced harmful drug use, and more protective sexual health behaviours. However, PrEP may create internal conflict for some gay men, due to its disruption of social norms around condom use and its perceived influence on their sexual behaviour leading to reduced condom self-efficacy. These findings provide a baseline of PrEP’s psychosocial impact amongst some of the first PrEP users in England and supports calls to consider the psychosocial impact of PrEP in prescribing guidelines.

Stable housing, ‘home’ and desistance: Views from Aotearoa New Zealand

There has been little theoretical development concerning the role of housing and the more subjective notion of ‘home’ in supporting desistance from crime. Through narrative interviews with 16 men with histories of imprisonment in Aotearoa New Zealand, this article explores key psycho-social benefits of home that support men to desist from crime. The article expands knowledge on the role of place and space in desistance by emphasising that to fully engage with the desistance process, those leaving prison need more than a roof over their heads; they need a home with psycho-social benefits that enhance their sense of wellbeing and ontological security. It is argued that a home provides a crucial setting for those leaving prison to ‘do’ desistance, and it is imperative that reintegration policy and practice recognise the psycho-social benefits of home.

Individual And Environmental Factors Associated With Physical Activity Practices Among Adolescents Of Devchuli Municipality

Background: Regular physical activity helps children and adolescents to remain healthy and fit, improve muscular and cardiorespiratory fitness, have psycho-social benefits The Global School Based Student Health Survey of Nepal 2015 shows that only 15.1% of adolescents of age 13-17 years were physically active daily. The risk factor of chronic diseases are traced back up to childhood hence promoting physical activity should start from childhood. Identification of these factors that affects level of physical activity among adolescents of Nepal and its better understanding will aid in promoting physically active lifestyle and designing effective interventions.

Acceptability and Feasibility of a Hospital-Based Herb and Vegetable Garden for Health Care Workers

ObjectiveEvaluate the acceptability and feasibility and explore the potential health impacts of a hospital-based herb and vegetable garden. MethodsMixed-method program evaluation assessed dietetic and food service staff health, well-being, and garden engagement. Surveys were administered at baseline and follow-up (6 months). Key informant interviews (n = 6) were conducted at 6 months to evaluate program feasibility. ResultsThere was good acceptance and engagement with the garden, with 18 participants volunteering to maintain the garden. Key informant interviews identified workforce, leadership, and garden design engagement factors. Participants also noted several psychosocial benefits. Conclusion and ImplicationsA hospital-based garden for staff is feasible if programmatic improvements are addressed. More robust evaluations considering challenges with measuring key outcomes with survey methodology and extended periods are warranted.

Tai Chi as a Body-Mind Exercise for Promotion of Healthy Aging in Nursing Home Residents: Appropriateness, Feasibility, and Effectiveness.

The lack of activity, opportunity for providing input and participation in activities, and interaction with other people are the features of institutional living which reinforces dependency among nursing home residents. Residents are usually frustrated with paternalistic-type care. Arranging health-oriented meaningful activities for residents contributes to health promotion and enhancement of healthy aging. Moreover, it contributes to the cultivation of a positive meaning of life which is particularly important as residents reach the late geriatric stages of their lives. With exercise being seen as generally beneficial for health, Tai Chi as a Chinese-based exercise with a body-mind emphasis and unique characteristics becomes a particularly suitable exercise in aiding the residents in this major shift of lifestyle. This paper analyzes the appropriateness, feasibility, and effectiveness of Tai Chi in promoting healthy aging for residents. Theoretical considerations and scientific evaluations lend it appropriate, feasible, and effective in providing physiological and psychosocial health benefits to the residents. This paper recommends the use of Tai Chi to promote healthy aging in nursing home residents. With a rapidly aging population and mounting demand for residential geriatric care worldwide, this paper's timely findings should provide important implications for adopting Tai Chi to advance the quality of care delivered by nursing homes worldwide.

„Der zeitliche Gesamtaufwand für den Hausarzt sinkt“: Die Sicht der Zuweisenden auf eine palliativmedizinische Tagesklinik

BackgroundPalliative day-care clinics (PDCCs) can complement inpatient and outpatient specialized palliative care. Some studies have shown improvements in the patients'́ symptoms, functional level and psychological well-being, while others have not. This study aimed to document the experience of referring physicians with PDCCs. MethodA postal questionnaire was sent to referring physicians between 11/2020 and 3/2021. The questionnaire included open and closed questions about professional background, symptom control, medical / psychosocial benefits for patients and challenges in the collaboration. Closed, 5-point scaled questions were analyzed descriptively with IBM SPSS Statistics 25®, open questions with a thematic content analysis using MAXQDA 2020®. ResultsOf the 96 referring physicians contacted, 76 questionnaires were returned (79%), 73 of which could be analyzed. Most referring physicians were general practitioners (57%), followed by oncologists (28%). 12% had completed further training in palliative medicine and had been working with patients with palliative care needs for an average of almost 19 years. On average, they had referred 24 patients (range 1–200) to a PDCC. 93% said that inpatient stays were delayed or avoided by PDCCs. 97% were of the opinion that their patients achieved a (great or rather great) benefit from medical treatment, and 96% thought that they benefited (to a great or rather great degree) from psychosocial treatment. 58% said that their own time spent with patients treated at the PDCC had decreased.In addition, a total of 227 open comments on challenges in cooperation, suggestions for optimization, reasons for referring patients and general wishes for PDCCs were analyzed. DiscussionThe high response rate to the questionnaires shows that PDCCs are of great importance to referring physicians. They consider the cooperation with PDCCs to be supportive and helpful for both themselves and their patients. ConclusionPDCCs make an important contribution to palliative care. Almost all respondents believe that treatment at a PDCC prevents or delays hospitalization.

Effects of Cumulative Head Impact Exposure in Adolescent Male Contact and Collision Sport Student Athletes.

This prospective cohort study aimed to investigate the association between head impact exposure (HIE) and neuropsychological sequelae in high school football and ice hockey players over 1 year. Community sample. A cohort of 52 adolescent American football and ice hockey players were enrolled in the study, with a final study sample of 35 included in analyses. The study followed a prospective cohort design, with participants undergoing neuropsychological screening and accelerometer-based measurement of HIE over 1 season. Changes in cognition, emotions, behavior, and reported symptoms were assessed using standardized neuropsychological tests and self-reported questionnaires. Cumulative HIE was not consistently associated with changes in cognition, emotions, behavior, or reported symptoms. However, it was linked to an isolated measure of processing speed, showing inconsistent results based on the type of HIE. History of previous concussion was associated with worsened verbal memory recognition (ImPACT Verbal Memory) but not on a more robust measure of verbal memory (California Verbal Learning Test [CVLT]). Reported attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder history predicted improved neurocognitive change scores. No associations were found between reported history of anxiety/depression or headaches/migraines and neuropsychological change scores. Overall, our findings do not support the hypothesis that greater HIE is associated with an increase in neuropsychological sequelae over time in adolescent football and ice hockey players. The results align with the existing literature, indicating that HIE over 1 season of youth sports is not consistently associated with significant neuropsychological changes. However, the study is limited by a small sample size, attrition over time, and the absence of performance validity testing for neurocognitive measures. Future studies with larger and more diverse samples, longer follow-up, and integration of advanced imaging and biomarkers are needed to comprehensively understand the relationship between HIE and neurobehavioral outcomes. Findings can inform guidelines for safe youth participation in contact sports while promoting the associated health and psychosocial benefits.

A Qualitative Study of the Psychosocial, Physical and Spiritual Benefits and Challenges Experienced by Psychiatric Patients Engaging Community Mental Health Services

Background Mental illness generates feelings of shame, low self-esteem, isolation, and hopelessness which affect wellbeing and quality of life. Mental health care practitioners, therefore, need to support their clients to improve their quality of life. Despite an increasing awareness of the importance of spirituality in mental health contexts, a religiosity gap exists in the difference in the value placed on spirituality and religion. This may be due to a lack of understanding about the complex ways people connect with spirituality within contemporary society and mental health contexts and can result in people's spiritual needs being neglected or dismissed within clinical practice (K. Milner et al., 2020). Additionally, mental illness may cause a variety of psychosocial problems such as decreased quality of life of the patient and their family members as well as increased social distance for the patient and the family caring for the patient. Psychosocial challenges are enhanced by the stigma attached to mental illness, which is a problem affecting not only the patient but also the family. Coping mechanisms for dealing with mentally ill patients differ from one family to another for a variety of reasons (Kakuma R et al., 2010). Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the contribution of community mental healthcare services to the wellbeing of persons with a history of mental illness using the Betty Ferrell’s Quality of Life (QoL) model. Methods A qualitative research approach was adopted, using exploratory descriptive design to describe the experiences of psychiatric patients engaging community mental health services. An in-depth interview was conducted using Betty Ferrell’s Model as a guiding framework. Each interview lasted about an hour. All interviews were audiotaped, transcribed, and the content analyzed thematically. A purposive sampling method was used to select 11 participants who participated in a face-to-face in-depth interview. Responses from the interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using the thematic content analysis approach. Results The findings from the study revealed the important and valuable contribution of community mental health nursing services to the quality of life and wellbeing of persons with mental illness in all spheres of their functioning. The main themes and sub-themes on how community mental healthcare services impact the wellbeing of persons with history of mental illness were Spiritual wellbeing (‘hope’, ‘transcendence’, ‘positive changes’), Social wellbeing (‘good social interaction’, ‘good relationship with family’, ‘good relationship with community members’, ‘good relationship with church members’), Psychological wellbeing (‘perception of overall quality of life’, ‘anxiety/depression’, cognition/attention’, assertiveness’), and Physical wellbeing (‘adherence to medication regimen’, overall physical health’, functional ability’, appetite’). Community mental health nurses have also been instrumental in promoting the social wellbeing of people with history of mental illness. Improvement in the spiritual lives and religious activities of the clients through the intervention of the nurses helped them to find some purpose and meaning in life. Counselling, reassurance, encouragement, and education of clients by the nurses provided some relief from their anxieties and depression and promoted client compliance with prescribed treatment regimen. Conclusion Both theoretical and empirical literature reviewed show that social and emotional support for persons living with mental illness, or with a history of mental illness, are important to their quality of life. The support given within the community is invaluable. Thus, community mental health care services span the well-being in the domains of physical, social, spiritual, and psychological functioning.

Education for sustainable development: Societal benefits of a community garden project in Tucson, Arizona

Education for sustainable development is gaining traction in sustainability discourses and policies to bridge the gap between the theory and practice of climate change mitigation and adaptation. In the United States, university-led initiatives are being promoted to provide experiential learning platforms to empower students for climate action. One such example is community gardens. This paper examined the societal benefits derived by a group of university students from engaging in community-based learning through the University of Arizona Community Garden (UACG). Based on interviews, participant observation, and students-based activities, the findings revealed that the community garden provided psychosocial benefits such as social interaction, and connection with nature. The findings highlight the co-benefits of integrating community garden projects into community-based learning pedagogies to realize psychosocial and environmental benefits. Scaling up such interventions through collaboration with community organizations can advance the role of higher education in the achievement of the SDGs.

"We're All the Same and We Love Football." Experiences of Players and Facilitators Regarding a Collaborative, Inclusive Football Program Between Academy and Special Olympics Footballers.

This study provides insight into an inclusive program between Special Olympics (SO) and academy football (soccer) players in the United Kingdom from the perspectives of players and facilitators. Qualitative focus groups were conducted across 30 participants (six facilitators, 14 Premier League academy players, and 10 SO players). Focus groups compared stakeholders' experiences of participating in a season-long inclusive football program. Three overarching higher order themes were generated, which highlighted positive outcomes from taking part. SO players provided endorsement for developing friendships and improving football skills, whereas academy players cited the positive impact that SO players had on their mood and motivation. Facilitators reflected on positive player outcomes and subsequent accomplishments. Overall, the findings indicated that this shared experience had psychosocial and football-specific benefits for everyone who participated. Facilitators indicated that these benefits could transition into everyday life but noted that there needs to be further considerations for future programs.

"They test my blood to know how much blood is in my body": the untapped potential of promoting viral load literacy to support adherence and viral suppression among adolescents living with HIV.

Achieving sustained HIV viral suppression is a key strategy to optimize the health and wellbeing of those living with HIV. Sub-optimal adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) in adolescents and young people living with HIV (AYPLHIV) in Southern Africa, due to a range of social and contextual factors, including poor mental health, has presented a substantial challenge to meeting targets aimed towards improving treatment outcomes and reducing transmission. With the increasing availability of viral load (VL) testing in Southern Africa, there is an opportunity to better understand the relationship between VL literacy, wellbeing and adherence among adolescents. We conducted qualitative interviews with 45 AYPLHIV aged 10-24 years in three districts (urban, peri-urban and rural) in Zimbabwe between March and August 2021. The sample was purposively selected to represent a range of experiences related to HIV status disclosure, gender, marital status and treatment experience. Separate workshops were conducted with 18 healthcare workers (HCWs) and 20 caregivers to better understand existing support mechanisms to AYPLHIV accessing ART. We used thematic analysis to examine adolescent VL literacy, treatment support networks, experiences of clinic interactions, VL testing procedures and barriers to adherence. VL literacy was consistently under-developed among participants. Comprehension of phrases commonly heard during clinic visits, such as TND (target not detected) and "high" and "low" VL, were better understood by older participants. VL testing was predominantly understood as a clinical procedure that enables HCWs to monitor treatment adherence. Absent throughout the interviews were descriptions of how viral suppression improves health and quality of life, likely fosters wellbeing and enhances self-esteem, enables participation in education and social activities, and eliminates the risk of onward transmission. It is imperative that we reconsider how routine VL monitoring is communicated to and understood by AYPLHIV. Reframing ART, including VL test results, in terms of the psychosocial benefits that viral suppression can generate is likely to be crucial to motivating AYPLHIV to maintain optimal treatment engagement and develop self-management approaches as they move into adulthood. Access to accurate information tailored to individual concerns and circumstances can support AYPLHIV to achieve wellbeing.

Does Increased Physical Activity Explain the Psychosocial Benefits of Sport Participation During COVID-19?

Although the return to sports during COVID-19 has been associated with improvements in mental health and quality of life (QOL), whether these benefits are primarily due to increases in physical activity (PA) is unknown. To determine whether PA increases were responsible for the improvements in mental health and QOL among adolescents who returned to sport during the COVID-19 pandemic. Cross-sectional study. Wisconsin secondary schools. A total of 559 adolescent athletes (age = 15.7 + 1.2 years, females = 43.6%) from 44 schools completed a survey in October 2020. Demographic information, whether they had returned to sport participation, school instruction type, anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), QOL (Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0), and PA (Hospital for Special Surgery Pediatric Functional Activity Brief Scale). Mediation analysis was used to assess whether the relationships between sport status and anxiety, depression, and QOL were mediated by PA. At the time of the study, 171 (31%) had returned to play and 388 (69%) had not. Athletes who had returned to play had less anxiety (3.6 ± 0.4 versus 8.2 ± 0.6, P < .001) and depression (4.2 ± 0.4 versus 7.3 ± 0.6, P < .001) and higher QOL (88.1 ± 1.0 versus 80.2 ± 1.4, P < .001) and more PA (24.0 ± 0.5 versus 16.3 ± 0.7, P < .001). Physical activity explained a significant, but small, proportion of the difference in depression (22.1%, P = .02) and QOL (16.0%, P = .048) but not anxiety (6.6%, P = .20) between athletes who had and those who had not returned to play. Increased PA was responsible for only a small portion of the improvements in depression and QOL among athletes who returned to sports. This suggests that most of the mental health benefits of sport participation for adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic were independent of the benefits of increased PA.