EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF SPORTS ON THE PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING OF VOCATIONAL TRAINING STUDENTS

Abstract

Luís M. Almeida, Helena P. Pereira e Helder M. Fernandes

In order to provide an understanding of the processes that determine well-being, a range of different performance contexts, including sports, must be considered. The aim of this study is to analyze the specific influence of different sports practice on the psychological wellbeing of vocational training students. A total of 387 students (48.3% males), both nonpractitioners and practitioners of various types of extracurricular sporting activities, aged from 15 to 24 years (M = 17.66, DP = 1.68), completed the Psychological Well-Being Scales - adolescent version. The results suggest that extracurricular practice of team sports produces superior benefits in terms of environmental mastery, positive relationships, purpose in life, selfacceptance and overall well-being for vocational training students. It may be concluded that the practice of team sports has a significant influence on the promotion of the well-being of such young people.