Impact of Spirituality on Sports: A Review of Literature
Faculty Mentor
One WU mentor: Joni Boyd, Ph.D.; boyd@winthrop.edu
College
College of Education
Department
Physical Education, Sport, and Human Performance
Faculty Mentor
Joni Boyd, Ph.D.
Abstract
The purpose of the review was to analyze how spirituality could have a positive or negative impact on athletes. Research has shown that athletes go through personal struggles in their daily lives, athletic performance, and mentally. With this information researchers assessed the impact spirituality had on the mind, body, and spirit. According to the Oxford Dictionary, spirituality can be defined as the act of being focused on the mind, body, and soul without regards to external factors. So how can spirituality have a positive or negative effect on athletes’ daily lives, mental health, and performance? The studies in this review examined how spirituality can decrease levels of anxiety and depression and increase performance. The methods in the studies were surveys that asked questions on their level of faith, depression, and performance. The methods showed that the surveys made athletes become self-aware on how much spirituality impacts their lives. Participants reported that the stronger they are in faith the better they performed whether they won or lost. The results for the review revealed that athletes with a strong connection to their spirituality are more likely to have a greater shift in focus and preparedness when they face challenging situations. The results found in this review can be used to implement exercises and discussions that would not only exercise the athlete’s mind but their faith as well. This review can educate and inform medical professionals on how to actively incorporate spirituality in rehabilitation and when motivating athletes to get back to their sport.
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Course Assignment
EXSC 480 - Boyd
Impact of Spirituality on Sports: A Review of Literature
The purpose of the review was to analyze how spirituality could have a positive or negative impact on athletes. Research has shown that athletes go through personal struggles in their daily lives, athletic performance, and mentally. With this information researchers assessed the impact spirituality had on the mind, body, and spirit. According to the Oxford Dictionary, spirituality can be defined as the act of being focused on the mind, body, and soul without regards to external factors. So how can spirituality have a positive or negative effect on athletes’ daily lives, mental health, and performance? The studies in this review examined how spirituality can decrease levels of anxiety and depression and increase performance. The methods in the studies were surveys that asked questions on their level of faith, depression, and performance. The methods showed that the surveys made athletes become self-aware on how much spirituality impacts their lives. Participants reported that the stronger they are in faith the better they performed whether they won or lost. The results for the review revealed that athletes with a strong connection to their spirituality are more likely to have a greater shift in focus and preparedness when they face challenging situations. The results found in this review can be used to implement exercises and discussions that would not only exercise the athlete’s mind but their faith as well. This review can educate and inform medical professionals on how to actively incorporate spirituality in rehabilitation and when motivating athletes to get back to their sport.
