The role of sports practice in achieving the psychological health of the child
Keywords:
sports practice; mental health; child.Abstract
This study aimed to identify the effectiveness of sports practice in promoting children's mental health by comparing practicing and non-practicing children in several mental health dimensions, namely obsession, psychosomatic symptoms, depression, and anxiety. The study adopted a comparative descriptive method and included a sample of 120 children aged 6 to 12 years, divided into two groups: 60 children practicing sports activities and 60 non-practicing children, selected from two primary schools in Tissemsilt Province.
A mental health scale composed of four dimensions was used. Its validity and reliability were verified through appropriate scientific procedures. Data were statistically analyzed using SPSS through means, standard deviations, and t-test.
The findings revealed statistically significant differences between practicing and non-practicing children in favor of the practicing group across all studied mental health dimensions. Sports practice contributed to reducing depression, anxiety, obsession, and psychosomatic symptoms, confirming its positive role in enhancing children's mental health.
The study concluded that sports practice represents an effective educational and psychological means for improving children's psychological adjustment. It recommended greater attention to children's sports activities and the design of sports programs that consider their psychological and educational needs.
