Examining the Potential of Sports: Developing Selected Indices of Psychological Wellbeing among University Student-Athletes

Sundas Hashmi; Dr. Wasim Khan; Dr. Syed Asif Abbas; Arshad Khan; Sehar Mukhtar

doi:10.1234/oe.v7.i1.09

Authors

Sundas Hashmi P.hD Scholar, Department of Sports Sciences and Physical Education, Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). Pakistan
Dr. Wasim Khan Assistant Professor/Director Sports, Department of Sports Sciences and Physical Education, Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). Pakistan.
Dr. Syed Asif Abbas Assistant Professor, Department of Sports Sciences and Physical Education, Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). Pakistan.
Arshad Khan Deputy Director Colleges, District Attock, Punjab, Pakistan
Sehar Mukhtar M.Phil Scholar, Department of Sports Sciences, and Physical Education, Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1234/oe.v7.i1.09

Keywords:

Sports participation, Psychological well-being, Student-athletes, Gender differences, & Cross-sectional survey

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between sports participation, gender, and psychological well-being among university student-athletes. A cross-sectional survey design was used, with a sample size of 568 student-athletes (284 male and 284 female) from the Southern region of Punjab, Pakistan. Data were collected using standardized scales to measure sports participation frequency, intensity, and psychological well-being. Statistical analysis included correlation analysis, multiple linear regression, and independent samples t-tests. The main findings revealed a significant positive correlation between sports participation frequency and psychological well-being (r = 0.50, p < 0.001). Additionally, male student-athletes demonstrated stronger associations between sports participation and psychological well-being compared to females. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that both frequency (β = 0.25, p < 0.001) and intensity (β = 0.18, p < 0.001) of sports participation significantly predicted psychological well-being. Moreover, male student-athletes participating in individual sports reported higher levels of psychological well-being compared to those in team sports (t = 2.85, p = 0.004). These findings highlight the importance of sports participation in promoting psychological well-being among university student-athletes, with implications for mental health interventions and sports program development.