The role of physical activity and sport modality in shaping psychosocial skills: A study on fair play, self-esteem, and self-efficacy in children

Engaging in physical activity and sports is essential for the psychosocial develop- ment of children, as it fosters moral development, social integration, and character building based on ethical principles, such as fair play(1,2). This study analyzed the relationship between physical activity behavior, sport modality, and higher-order psychosocial skills, such as moral decision-making, fair play, self-esteem, and self- efficacy, in a sample of children from two primary schools. Our hypothesis posited variations in psychosocial outcomes based on children's physical activity levels and sport participation (individual vs. team, open skill vs. closed skill). One hundred twenty-nine primary school children (59 females, Mage = 8.13, SD = 0.81 y.o.) par- ticipated in the study. Each participant completed the following questionnaire: the Fair Play in Physical Education, the Attitudes Moral DecisionMaking in Youth Sport, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem, the Physical Self-Efficacy, and the Physical Activity questionnaires. The results demonstrated that physical activity and sex exerted a general effect on fair play, whereas sport type did not exhibit a significant associa- tion with any of the studied constructs. However, sex and physical activity level, as well as sport type, were identified as significant predictors of sports self-efficacy. Overall, our study highlights the complex and multifaceted nature of these con- structs and the importance of considering multiple factors in elucidating their rela- tionships. Our study has important implications for trainers and teachers who aim to promote fair play and sportsmanship in their programs. To promote ethical be- havior in youth sports, character education programs that emphasize values such as fairness, respect, and responsibility can be helpful. Coaches and parents can also serve as positive role models to promote these values and create a culture of fair play and respect in youth sports programs. By emphasizing these values, such pro- grams can contribute to positive psychosocial development in young athletes. Ref- erences: 1)Opstoel, et al., (2020). Personal and social development in physical ed- ucation and sports: A review study. European Physical Education Review. 2) Ser- rano-Durà et al. (2021). Systematic review of research on fair play and sporting competition. Sport, Education and Society. Keywords: Open vs. Closed-skill sports; Individual vs. Team sports; moral decision- making