In a few days, the largest sporting event in the world will kick off: the Olympic Games. However, reaping the benefits of physical activity is not limited to elite athletes and Olympians. A new survey has reported that 84% of Americans who engage in sports, whether competitively or recreationally, believe it benefits their mental health, according to the medical site "Medical Express." More than half of American adults (57%) say they participate in sports, with men's participation (67%) exceeding that of women (48%).
Furthermore, three out of four American adults (73%) affirm that sports are very beneficial or somewhat beneficial for the mental health of children and teenagers. When asked to identify the most important benefits of sports for youth mental health, the top three responses were: being part of a team (41%), having an active lifestyle (41%), and providing more confidence and self-esteem (31%). These results were taken from monthly surveys conducted by the American Psychiatric Association. The current survey was conducted from June 18 to 19, 2024, and included 2,203 adults.
In light of the survey results, Dr. Ramaswamy Viswanathan, President of the Association, stated, "You don’t need to be an Olympic athlete to gain the mental health benefits that exercise provides. Meeting with a group of friends, exercising, and engaging in a hobby—all are aspects of sports that can be beneficial for positive mental health." Other benefits of exercise have been documented in psychiatric research. For instance, exercise has been proven to effectively reduce symptoms of depression and maintain health as a primary treatment as well as in conjunction with medication or therapy. There is also evidence that exercise benefits individuals suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
When asked to mention the sports they have participated in from a list of 20 options in the current survey, the most common answers were: swimming (19%), basketball (18%), and running (17%). Additionally, 85% of American adults agreed that mental health should be prioritized just as much as physical health among professional athletes. Dr. Markita M. Wells, Chief Executive Officer and Medical Director of the American Psychiatric Association, stated, "In recent years, we've heard Olympic and professional athletes sharing stories about the mental health challenges they face," adding that "their courage and openness help others understand that it’s okay to take a break or seek help when needed."
