According to Issokson-Silver, when girls are encouraged to express themselves, share ideas, and participate in goal-setting, it has a profound impact on their mental wellbeing. This is in stark contrast to environments where the primary focus is on winning and social comparisons, which can have adverse effects. Research has previously shown that coaches who prioritize victory over all else may adopt harmful leadership practices… leading to negative impacts on employees and players.
The study’s findings underscore the importance of creating sport settings that prioritize development, “learning.”.. and personal growth over winning.
Supportive Sports Environments Reduce Depression And Anxiety In Girls
• Girls’ participation in supportive sport environments can significantly reduce mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, according to a new study by the Women’s Sport Foundation. 2. The study found that certain elements within sport settings, such as levels of autonomy and the nature of coach relationships, contribute to positive outcomes for girls. Giving girls a sense of “voice and choice” and encouraging them to express themselves is a key factor in boosting their mental health. 3. The study highlights the adverse effects of a win-at-all-costs mindset among coaches, which can lead to narcissistic leadership behaviors that negatively impact employees and players. This mindset can prioritize victory over all other goals, leading to strained relationships and increased risks of mental health issues. 4. The study emphasizes the importance of creating sport settings that prioritize development, learning, and personal growth over winning. By doing so, athletes, including young girls, can thrive and avoid the negative effects of toxic win-at-all-costs cultures.
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In The News:
A new study conducted by theWomen’s Sport Foundation reveals that girls’ participation in supportive sport environments can significantly lessen mental health issues, including depression and anxiety. The report, Thriving Through Sport: The Transformative Impact on Girls’ Mental Health, examined not only the relationship between sport participation and mental health, but also the types of sport environments that yield the most significant mental health benefits for participants.
The study also identifies crucial elements within sport settings, such as levels of autonomy and the nature of coach relationships, that contribute to positive outcomes for girls. According toIssokson-Silver, “when girls have the opportunity for “voice and choice,” which means they are encouraged to express themselves, share ideas, interests, and concerns, this goes a long way to boosting their mental health. When sport settings prioritize the development of skills over time and personal goal setting, and when players are encouraged to learn from their mistakes, they thrive. This stands in contrast to sport settings in which the focus is on winning above all and where social comparisons dominate the culture and tone.”
Previous research has highlighted the adverse effects of a win-at-all-costs mindset among coaches. Environments driven by coaches’ relentless pursuit of victory often breed narcissistic leadership behaviors, impacting both employees and players negatively. This previous study indicates that when winning becomes the sole focus, leadership adopts harmful practices, prioritizing victory over all other organizational and personal goals. When considering the findings from the WSF’s report, it becomes evident that athletes, including young girls, face heightened risks of mental health issues due to these toxic win-at-all-costs cultures, which may also increase the likelihood of strained relationships with their coaches.
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