Using sport and physical activity interventions to develop life skills and reduce delinquency in youth: a systematic review

Purpose: Disadvantaged youth are confronted with a disproportionate number of risk factors and stressors that can predict youth delinquency and negative behaviours as an adult. Life skills developed through physical activity and sport programmes (PAS) have been identified as a way to provide protective factors for those at risk of, or involved in, youth delinquency.

Method: A systematic search of nine electronic databases was conducted to collate and evidence the impact of life skills developed through sport and physical activity-based programmes targeting youth at risk of or involved in youth delinquency.

Results: The search identified 15 studies across three different intervention levels (primary, secondary, and tertiary), reporting the effects of life skills development on youth at risk of, or involved in youth delinquency. The current evidence base for understanding the development of life skills through PAS programmes is positive but sparse.

Conclusion: Recommendations have been made for future research and include understanding the impact on personal and social identity, exploring the use of gender specific strategies and investigating the effectiveness of delivery staff.