About this Research Topic
Physical education and sport play an indispensable role in the holistic development of students, fostering not only physical well-being but also emotional, social, and cognitive growth. In 2003, Sibley & Etnier showed that physical activity is linked to improved cognitive function. Increasingly recognized for their impact on mental health, physical activity helps reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood and self-esteem, and enhance cognitive functioning, all of which contribute to improved academic performance. Beyond the individual benefits, sports also cultivate essential life skills such as discipline, perseverance, and teamwork—qualities critical for success both in the classroom and beyond.
In addition to individual benefits, sports provide valuable opportunities for social development. Participation in sports creates a sense of belonging and inclusion, promoting tolerance, respect, and healthy interpersonal relationships among students from diverse backgrounds. School sports teams and activities serve as platforms for students to engage in positive social interactions, enhancing communication skills and contributing to the development of a positive school culture.
This Research Topic will explore the following core question: How does participation in physical education and sports contribute to the holistic development of students, influencing academic outcomes, social behavior, and emotional well-being? The focus will be on identifying and understanding the psychological and social mechanisms that link sports participation to improvements in personal, social, and academic development. A central goal is to examine how sports and physical education can function as interventions that promote a safe, inclusive, and supportive educational environment.
The proposed research will encompass various facets of the relationship between sports participation and student development. Key themes include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Descriptive and longitudinal analyses investigating the impact of physical education and sports participation on students' emotional well-being, social skills, and academic performance. Research will aim to understand how consistent engagement in sports influences these areas over time.
• Exploration of how social relationships (e.g., peer interactions, teamwork) foster motivation and long-term engagement in physical education and sports programs. This includes studying the role of peer support, group dynamics, and inclusive practices in retaining students' interest in physical activity across different age groups.
• Research on how structured physical education programs can help prevent antisocial behaviors such as bullying, discrimination, and violence, while simultaneously promoting a sense of inclusion, respect, and mutual understanding. This strand will explore how sports can contribute to building safer school environments and fostering positive values among students.
• Investigating the psychological and social mechanisms that connect physical activity and sports to broader educational outcomes. This includes exploring how physical education can influence students' self-regulation, resilience, and emotional intelligence, all of which are critical for success in academic and social contexts.
By exploring these themes, this Research Topic aims to bridge the fields of sports psychology and educational psychology, highlighting how integrated approaches can support the holistic development of students. Through a deeper understanding of the connections between physical education, sports participation, and educational outcomes, this research will offer valuable insights for educators, policymakers, and researchers aiming to optimize the role of physical education in fostering well-rounded, successful students.
In addition to individual benefits, sports provide valuable opportunities for social development. Participation in sports creates a sense of belonging and inclusion, promoting tolerance, respect, and healthy interpersonal relationships among students from diverse backgrounds. School sports teams and activities serve as platforms for students to engage in positive social interactions, enhancing communication skills and contributing to the development of a positive school culture.
This Research Topic will explore the following core question: How does participation in physical education and sports contribute to the holistic development of students, influencing academic outcomes, social behavior, and emotional well-being? The focus will be on identifying and understanding the psychological and social mechanisms that link sports participation to improvements in personal, social, and academic development. A central goal is to examine how sports and physical education can function as interventions that promote a safe, inclusive, and supportive educational environment.
The proposed research will encompass various facets of the relationship between sports participation and student development. Key themes include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Descriptive and longitudinal analyses investigating the impact of physical education and sports participation on students' emotional well-being, social skills, and academic performance. Research will aim to understand how consistent engagement in sports influences these areas over time.
• Exploration of how social relationships (e.g., peer interactions, teamwork) foster motivation and long-term engagement in physical education and sports programs. This includes studying the role of peer support, group dynamics, and inclusive practices in retaining students' interest in physical activity across different age groups.
• Research on how structured physical education programs can help prevent antisocial behaviors such as bullying, discrimination, and violence, while simultaneously promoting a sense of inclusion, respect, and mutual understanding. This strand will explore how sports can contribute to building safer school environments and fostering positive values among students.
• Investigating the psychological and social mechanisms that connect physical activity and sports to broader educational outcomes. This includes exploring how physical education can influence students' self-regulation, resilience, and emotional intelligence, all of which are critical for success in academic and social contexts.
By exploring these themes, this Research Topic aims to bridge the fields of sports psychology and educational psychology, highlighting how integrated approaches can support the holistic development of students. Through a deeper understanding of the connections between physical education, sports participation, and educational outcomes, this research will offer valuable insights for educators, policymakers, and researchers aiming to optimize the role of physical education in fostering well-rounded, successful students.
Keywords: Physical Education, Social Inclusion, Academic Development, Personal Competences, Social Competences
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
