Summary article ‘Does sport-participation improve
health? A panel analysis on the role of educational
attainment, economic deprivation and work-family load’
– Coenders, Van Mensvoort, Kraaykamp, & Breedveld
(2017)
Abstract
Results show that men and women who have a higher sports frequency
report better subjective health. For women, differences in subjective
health are partially explained by education, economic deprivation and
work-family load.
Sports participation is beneficial among members of all educational
groups, with various work-family loads and for both people in wealth and
poverty.
Introduction
Benefits of physical activity:
- Improved physical state
- More confidence
- More self-esteem
- Boosted social and cognitive development
Effects lack of physical activity:
- Higher mortality
- Higher obesity
- Higher risks of diseases
Sport-participation and health relate to opportunities and restrictions in
life (economic, social, cultural resources) and aspects of time-pressure
individual differences in availability of resources play important role.
When sport-participants report better health, cause and effect are not
clear-cut, as bad health is often named as a barrier for not participating in
sport.
Theory and hypotheses
Resources and restrictions (educational attainment, economic
circumstances, work-family loads) may function as moderators.
Sports participation and health
Regular physical activity primary and secondary prevention of chronic
diseases; reduced risk of premature death.
- Positively related to self-rated physical and mental health
Resources as common causes of the sport-health association
Resources and restrictions may function as causes affecting sport-
participation and health.