Social isolation is defined as a lack of meaningful connections with individuals and one’s community (Sen & Prybutok, 2019). Youth who lack pro-social connections are more likely to become involved in risky behaviours, which could negatively impact their entire future (Sibley & Etnier, 2003). Physical activity is critical in the constructive development of young and healthy brains (SickKids, 2020). Engaging in healthy physical activity encourages youth to develop a positive self-esteem, connects them to their environment, enhances educational outcomes and develops a healthy mind-body connection (Sibley & Etnier, 2003).

Youth who engage in regular physical activity benefit from an improved relationship and a healthier self-esteem (SickKids, 2020)

According to Holt et al., youth who participate in regular exercise programs are more likely to have positive youth development in relation to emotional intelligence, social and academic competence, confidence and overall community connection (2017). Engaging in physical activity from a young age supports positive stress management, as exercise releases stress-relieving chemicals called endorphins (SickKids, 2020). The release of these endorphins increases an individual’s mood and clarity in the brain (SickKids, 2020). 

Physical activity and psychological growth

Positive psychological growth is more likely to occur when a youth is participating in a meaningful or desired activity in a safe and supportive environment (Holt et al., 2017). Exercise leads to improved motor skills, problem solving skills, attention skills and critical thinking skills for youth as they age (SickKids, 2020). As exercise reduces stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, youth who engage in physical activity experience decreasing symptoms of depression, anxiety and loneliness (SickKids, 2020). Structured physical activities can expose children to prosocial peers, safe environments, healthy decision-making skills, improved relationships and increased self-worth (SickKids, 2020).

Programs such as community-based activities, school-based programs and co-curricular activities promote a diverse lineup of social and academic benefits for youth (Zeldin, Krauss, Kim, Collura & Abdullah, 2016). In physical activity programming for youth, participants engage in the development of leadership skills, collaboration, decision-making skills and teamwork (Zeldin et al., 2016). There are many benefits of physical activity programs for youth, as it supports a healthy development of their body, mind and soul. Youth who participate in regular physical exercise experience decreased symptoms of isolation, loneliness and segregation while contributing to an increased sense of empowerment and community connectedness (Zeldin et al., 2016). 

References:

AboutKidsHealth, SickKids (May, 2020)

Canada, P. H. (2019, November). Government of Canada.

Holt, N. L., Neely, K. C., Slater, L. G., Carime, M., Cote, J., Fraser-Thomas, J., Tamminen, K. A. (2016). A grounded theory of positive youth development through sport based on results from a qualitative meta-study.

Sen, K., & Prybutok, G. (2019). A quality mobility program reduces elderly social isolation.

Sibley, B. A., & Etnier, J. L. (2003). The relationship between physical activity and cognition in children: A meta-analysis.

Zeldin, S., Krauss, S. E., Kim, T., Collura, J., & Abdullah, H. (2015). Pathways to youth empowerment and community connectedness: A study of youth-adult partnership in Malaysian after-school, co-curricular programs.