Research on Sports and Mental Health Programs for Teen Mental Health

A study published in the Journal of Applied Sport Psychology looked at a mental health program called Life-Fit-Learning, which was added to a youth rugby league. Over 500 teen boys and girls ages 12–16 took part.

Findings revealed that the program helped boys with higher levels of anxiety or depression by lowering their symptoms, though not always back to the “healthy” range. Behavior problems improved whether they finished all or only part of the program.

Boys who completed the whole program felt better about themselves and showed stronger improvements overall.

Girls showed some gains in lowering anxiety, but the program didn’t help as much with depression, behavior, or self-satisfaction. This tells us that girls may need programs designed specifically for their needs.

Understanding the Research

The researchers wanted to see if completing all of the program’s parts (both online and on-field workshops) would lead to better outcomes than only completing some of it.

They also wanted to know if the effects would be different for boys and girls, and whether the program worked best for kids already showing higher levels of anxiety, depression, or behavior concerns.

Players joined mental health workshops (online and on-field) that covered topics like healthy habits, managing emotions, staying connected, and building strengths. Parents also got tip sheets and resources if their child showed higher mental health needs.

These were the main findings:

• Among boys, those at high risk showed great reductions in anxiety, depression, and behavioral concerns from pre- to post-program. Notably, 76% were no longer in the high-risk range afterward, though their anxiety and depression remained higher than those of boys in the healthy range.
• Boys who fully completed all program components also reported greater improvements in depression and self-satisfaction.
• Among girls, outcomes were less consistent. While anxiety declined in high-risk girls, their levels remained above those in the healthy range. Depression did not improve, and behavioral problems plus low self-satisfaction remained regardless of their risk status.
• Only 40% of high-risk girls moved into the healthy range at post-program.

Adding other types of support — like therapy techniques or activities that build gratitude — might make the program more helpful, especially for girls and for challenges like anxiety and depression.

Practical Strategies for Parents and Caregivers

Sports programs like these give teens important tools for mental health, but the support you provide at home can make an even bigger difference. Here’s how parents can help their teens build mental strength and cope with challenges, on the field and off:

Encourage them to choose a sport they enjoy

You can help by exploring different options together, attending trial sessions, or talking to friends and coaches about their experiences. Sports provide a fun way to relieve stress while learning teamwork and discipline.

Check out our Being a Good Sport handout and research summary on Sportsmanship in Early Adolescence.

Teach coping, problem-solving, and reflection

Sports provide a great way for teens to practice managing emotions and bouncing back from challenges. After practice or games, you can spend a few minutes reflecting together on what went well and what they’re proud of.

Take this as an opportunity to introduce coping skills, like deep breathing, pausing to step back, and brainstorming possible solutions whenever they encounter challenges (whether it’s on the field after a difficult game or in everyday situations).

Let them see the importance of self-care

Even though being active is already a form of self-care, athletes need rest, proper nutrition, and mental breaks to stay healthy, avoid burnout, and perform their best. Remind your teen that self-care is key, even for those who play sports regularly.

Help them build habits like sleeping well, eating healthy, stretching post-practice, and enjoying downtime or activities they love off the field.

The researchers suggest that future studies include more girls and that youth sports mental health programs could be more effective if designed with input from girls.

Strengthen your teen’s mental and emotional skills with our Coping Skills Worksheets.