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

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.