Influence of Sports Activities on Prosocial Behavior of Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Literature Review

Jiayu Li and Weide Shao
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Jiayu Li: College of Physical Education and Health Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, China
Weide Shao: College of Physical Education and Health Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, China

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 11, 1-20

Abstract: Prosocial behavior plays a key role in interpersonal relationships during the growth of children and adolescents. Good prosocial behavior is the foundation for the healthy development of children and adolescents. In recent years, the role played by some sports activities in children and adolescents’ prosocial behaviors has attracted much attention. However, the effects of physical activity on prosocial behavior have not been summarized. Objective: We aimed to clarify the role of sports activities in children and adolescents’ prosocial behaviors. Methods: We searched databases for 27 interventional studies on the influence of sports activities on children and adolescents’ prosocial behaviors published in peer-reviewed English journals. Subsequently, inductive, summary, analytical, and evaluation methods were used to systematically analyze and evaluate the literature. Results: Sports activities can improve children and adolescents’ prosocial behaviors. Different sports activities also influence children and adolescents’ prosocial behaviors differently. Moreover, sports activities can improve the prosocial behaviors of children and adolescents with special educational needs. Conclusion: This review demonstrates that sports activities improve the prosocial behavior of children and adolescents. At the same time, we find that children and adolescents with special educational needs should be allowed to participate in more sports activities.

Keywords: prosocial behavior; sports activities; children and adolescents; review (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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