Integrated Sports for Emotional Regulation: A Clinical Psychology-Informed Intervention for Alleviating Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms in Adolescents
Year: 2026
Type: conference-abstract
Abstract: Objective This study aimed to develop and clinically evaluate an integrated sports intervention designed to foster athletic interest and alleviate symptoms of negative emotional states, including anxiety and subclinical depressive mood, in adolescents. The research investigates whether a structured physical activity program, underpinned by clinical and sports psychology principles, can serve as a dual-pathway intervention to enhance engagement and improve emotional health. Subjects and Methods A cluster-randomized controlled trial was conducted over 12 weeks with 240 adolescents (aged 13-16). Participants were assigned to an experimental group, which engaged in a sports program emphasizing mastery, enjoyment, and social cohesion, or a control group continuing standard physical education. Pre- and post-intervention measurements included the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21) to assess clinically relevant symptoms. Focus group discussions provided qualitative data. Results Adolescents in the integrated program demonstrated a significant 40% increase in sports interest scores (p<0.01) and a 35% reduction in composite DASS-21 scores (p<0.01) compared to controls. Significant improvements were specifically observed on the anxiety and depression subscales. Qualitative analysis identified enhanced competence, social connection, and immersive flow as key psychological mechanisms linking participation to improved emotional outcomes and sustained interest. Conclusions A psychologically-informed sports program provides an effective, integrated intervention for increasing athletic engagement and reducing symptoms of anxiety and low mood in adolescents. This approach validates structured physical activity as a promising, accessible strategy for primary prevention and mental health promotion in youth development. Corresponding Author Yanhua Ren, National Institute of the Physical Education, Ulaanbaatar 16060, Mongolia.
Source: Schizophrenia Bulletin
Authors: Dongbiao Wang, Yue Cheng, Yanhua Ren
Language: English
Topic: Physical Activity and Health
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7203596490