Americans, Psychiatrists Agree: Sports Can Be Good for Mental Health
08 July 2024 - 6:00PM
As the Olympics kick off in Paris later this month, 84% of
Americans who participate in sports—whether on a competitive or
recreational level—say it benefits their mental health, according
to a new poll. A majority (57%) of American adults say they
participate in sports, with men (67%) more likely than women (48%),
and non-white individuals (69%) more likely than white
(non-Hispanic) individuals (50%) to say so.
Three in four (73%) American adults also say that sports are
very or somewhat beneficial for children and teenagers’ mental
health. When those who believed so were asked to select the most
important benefits of sports to youth mental health, the top three
choices were being part of a team (41%), exercise/active lifestyle
(41%), and offering increased confidence/self-esteem (31%).
These results are from the American Psychiatric Association
(APA)’s Healthy Minds Monthly polls, fielded by Morning Consult on
behalf of APA. The poll was fielded June 18-19, 2024, among 2,203
adults.
“You don’t have to be an Olympic athlete to reap the mental
health benefits of exercise and sports,” said APA President
Ramaswamy Viswanathan, M.D., Dr.Med.Sc. “Getting together with a
group of friends, working out, having a hobby, all these aspects of
sports can be good for positive mental health.”
The benefits of exercise are well-documented in psychiatric
research. For instance, exercise has consistently been shown to
effectively reduce symptoms of depression and maintain well-being
both as a primary treatment and in conjunction with medication or
therapy. There is also evidence that exercise benefits individuals
with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and
attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). (See more on
exercise and lifestyle for mental health.)
When asked to indicate from a list of 20 options which sports
they participated in, the most popular answers were swimming (19%),
basketball (18%), and running (17%). Additionally, 85% of American
adults agreed that mental health should be prioritized as much as
physical health in professional athletes.
“In recent years we’ve heard Olympic and professional athletes
share stories about their own mental health challenges,” said APA
CEO and Medical Director Marketa M. Wills, M.D., M.B.A. “Their
courage and openness helps others understand that it’s okay to take
a break or ask for help when needed.”
To access the full results of APA’s Healthy Minds Monthly polls,
contact press@psych.org.
American Psychiatric Association The American Psychiatric
Association, founded in 1944, is the oldest medical association in
the country. The APA is also the largest psychiatric association in
the world with more than 38,900 physician members specializing in
the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and research of mental
illnesses. APA’s vision is to ensure access to quality psychiatric
diagnosis and treatment. For more information, please visit
www.psychiatry.org.
Erin Connors
American Psychiatric Association
202-609-7113
econnors@psych.org