Sporting Mind: The Interplay of Physical Activity and Psychological Health

The symbiotic relationship between sports practice and psychological well-being has, in recent times, surged to the forefront of academic and public attention. The aim of this narrative review is to comprehensively explore the intricate pathways linking physical engagement in sports to its subsequen...

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Main Authors: Alexandra Martín-Rodríguez, Laura Augusta Gostian-Ropotin, Ana Isabel Beltrán-Velasco, Noelia Belando-Pedreño, Juan Antonio Simón, Clara López-Mora, Eduardo Navarro-Jiménez, José Francisco Tornero-Aguilera, Vicente Javier Clemente-Suárez
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-01-01
Series:Sports
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/12/1/37
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author Alexandra Martín-Rodríguez
Laura Augusta Gostian-Ropotin
Ana Isabel Beltrán-Velasco
Noelia Belando-Pedreño
Juan Antonio Simón
Clara López-Mora
Eduardo Navarro-Jiménez
José Francisco Tornero-Aguilera
Vicente Javier Clemente-Suárez
author_facet Alexandra Martín-Rodríguez
Laura Augusta Gostian-Ropotin
Ana Isabel Beltrán-Velasco
Noelia Belando-Pedreño
Juan Antonio Simón
Clara López-Mora
Eduardo Navarro-Jiménez
José Francisco Tornero-Aguilera
Vicente Javier Clemente-Suárez
author_sort Alexandra Martín-Rodríguez
collection DOAJ
description The symbiotic relationship between sports practice and psychological well-being has, in recent times, surged to the forefront of academic and public attention. The aim of this narrative review is to comprehensively explore the intricate pathways linking physical engagement in sports to its subsequent impacts on mental health and synthesize the multifarious effects of sports on psychological health, offering insights for integrating physical and psychological strategies to enhance well-being. From neurobiological underpinnings to therapeutic applications, this comprehensive manuscript provides an in-depth dive into the multifaceted world of sports and psychology. Highlighting evidence-based interventions, this review aspires to offer actionable insights for practitioners, athletes, and individuals alike, advocating for a holistic approach to mental well-being. This manuscript highlights the profound impact of sports on mental health, emphasizing its role in emotional regulation, resilience, cognitive function, and treating psychological conditions. It details how sports induce neurochemical changes, enhance brain functions like memory and learning, and aid against cognitive decline. This review also notes the benefits of regular exercise in mood improvement, stress management, and social skill enhancement, particularly when combined with mindfulness practices. It underscores the importance of considering cultural and gender perspectives in sports psychology, advocating for an integrated physical–psychological approach to promote overall well-being.
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spelling doaj.art-e51d387970f44839bccce6ca58a1fda32024-01-26T18:30:23ZengMDPI AGSports2075-46632024-01-011213710.3390/sports12010037Sporting Mind: The Interplay of Physical Activity and Psychological HealthAlexandra Martín-Rodríguez0Laura Augusta Gostian-Ropotin1Ana Isabel Beltrán-Velasco2Noelia Belando-Pedreño3Juan Antonio Simón4Clara López-Mora5Eduardo Navarro-Jiménez6José Francisco Tornero-Aguilera7Vicente Javier Clemente-Suárez8Faculty of Sports Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Tajo Street, s/n, 28670 Madrid, SpainFaculty of Sports Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Tajo Street, s/n, 28670 Madrid, SpainPsychology Department, Faculty of Life and Natural Sciences, Nebrija University, 28240 Madrid, SpainFaculty of Sports Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Tajo Street, s/n, 28670 Madrid, SpainDepartment Ciencias Sociales Act Fis Deporte & Ocio, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, SpainFacultad de Ciencias Biomédicas y de la Salud, Universidad Europea de Valencia, Pg. de l’Albereda, 7, 46010 València, SpainFacultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Simón Bolívar, Barranquilla 080002, ColombiaFaculty of Sports Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Tajo Street, s/n, 28670 Madrid, SpainFaculty of Sports Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Tajo Street, s/n, 28670 Madrid, SpainThe symbiotic relationship between sports practice and psychological well-being has, in recent times, surged to the forefront of academic and public attention. The aim of this narrative review is to comprehensively explore the intricate pathways linking physical engagement in sports to its subsequent impacts on mental health and synthesize the multifarious effects of sports on psychological health, offering insights for integrating physical and psychological strategies to enhance well-being. From neurobiological underpinnings to therapeutic applications, this comprehensive manuscript provides an in-depth dive into the multifaceted world of sports and psychology. Highlighting evidence-based interventions, this review aspires to offer actionable insights for practitioners, athletes, and individuals alike, advocating for a holistic approach to mental well-being. This manuscript highlights the profound impact of sports on mental health, emphasizing its role in emotional regulation, resilience, cognitive function, and treating psychological conditions. It details how sports induce neurochemical changes, enhance brain functions like memory and learning, and aid against cognitive decline. This review also notes the benefits of regular exercise in mood improvement, stress management, and social skill enhancement, particularly when combined with mindfulness practices. It underscores the importance of considering cultural and gender perspectives in sports psychology, advocating for an integrated physical–psychological approach to promote overall well-being.https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/12/1/37sports psychologyneurobiological mechanismspsychological resiliencetherapeutic interventionsmind–body connectionsocial sports dynamics
spellingShingle Alexandra Martín-Rodríguez
Laura Augusta Gostian-Ropotin
Ana Isabel Beltrán-Velasco
Noelia Belando-Pedreño
Juan Antonio Simón
Clara López-Mora
Eduardo Navarro-Jiménez
José Francisco Tornero-Aguilera
Vicente Javier Clemente-Suárez
Sporting Mind: The Interplay of Physical Activity and Psychological Health
Sports
sports psychology
neurobiological mechanisms
psychological resilience
therapeutic interventions
mind–body connection
social sports dynamics
title Sporting Mind: The Interplay of Physical Activity and Psychological Health
title_full Sporting Mind: The Interplay of Physical Activity and Psychological Health
title_fullStr Sporting Mind: The Interplay of Physical Activity and Psychological Health
title_full_unstemmed Sporting Mind: The Interplay of Physical Activity and Psychological Health
title_short Sporting Mind: The Interplay of Physical Activity and Psychological Health
title_sort sporting mind the interplay of physical activity and psychological health
topic sports psychology
neurobiological mechanisms
psychological resilience
therapeutic interventions
mind–body connection
social sports dynamics
url https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/12/1/37
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