Early Drop-Out from Sports and Strategic Learning Skills: A Cross-Country Study in Italian and Spanish Students

Factors Influencing Sport Persistence Along the Socio-Ecological Model-A Presentation of Sport Persistence Models Based on the Findings of a Representative Hungarian Sample

Background/Objectives: Sport persistence, defined as an athlete's behavioural commitment to sport, is influenced by various psychological, social, and environmental factors. This study examines sport persistence using an ecological framework, incorporating Bronfenbrenner's socio-ecological model and Bauman's multi-level physical activity model. It aims to identify the key determinants of sport persistence among Hungarian athletes and differentiate the influencing factors for competitive and recreational athletes. Methods: The study analysed data from 1105 Hungarian (518 male, 557 female) secondary (n = 478) and university (n = 626) students who pursued competitive (n = 533) or recreational (n = 572) sports. A structured questionnaire assessed socio-demographic factors, sport-specific variables, psychological characteristics, and environmental influences. Statistical analyses were applied to identify predictors of sport persistence. Results: For competitive athletes, persistence was most strongly predicted by goal orientation (β = 0.322; p < 0.001), win orientation (β = 0.156; p = 0.001), resilience (β = 0.161; p < 0.001), and training frequency (β = 0.122; p = 0.017). In contrast, recreational athletes' persistence was linked to task orientation (β = 0.092; p = 0.013), well-being (β = 0.092; p = 0.008), and social support (β = 0.084; p = 0.006). The father's employment status had a positive effect on persistence, while broader socio-demographic factors were more relevant for recreational athletes. The role of micro-, exo-, and macro-system factors, such as peer or teacher support and sport infrastructure, was found to be limited in influencing persistence levels. Conclusions: Sport persistence is primarily driven by individual psychological factors rather than broader ecological influences. Competitive athletes show persistence through performance-oriented traits, while recreational athletes rely more on well-being and motivation. These findings suggest that tailored interventions could enhance sport persistence and performance.

Why do students drop out of regular sport in late adolescent? The experience of a systematic review

Introduction

The positive impact of youth sport on physical, mental and social health has been highlighted in several research which reinforces further investigations concerning the reasons for dropout of athletes. As one of the most emergent difficulties in youth sports is to prevent athletes from dropping out, it is important to explore what factors play important part in this process. The purpose of this study was to identify barriers and challenges related to sport persistence and dropout.

Methods

We conducted a systematic literature review using the EBSCO Discovery Service Search Engine. Our method followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.

Results

Out of the initially examined 512 publications, 11 papers were included in our final sample. Original empirical research published in a peer-reviewed journal, papers focusing on participants age below 25 years and exploring factors influencing dropout determined by any levels of Bronfenbrenner's model were analyzed. Results showed that gender differences were extensively examined and did, in fact, contribute to dropout ratios, while socio-cultural and ethnic backgrounds were largely disregarded in most studies. From presented individual psychological factors perception of ability and success, enjoyment, sports satisfaction and life satisfaction all protected against dropout.

Discussion

Achievement, goal, social and win orientation emerged as positive predictors of sport persistence in many studies, along with motivation and commitment. Many non-psychological factors were also mentioned. Sports requiring more training may lead to increased dropout rates, just as well as the lack of knowledge acquisition and competitiveness. Lastly, social environment and status also often play a significant role in dropout. Individuals with more resourceful socio-economical background find it easier to keep up the pace and have the opportunity to participate in more wealth-consuming sports. Social support received from the family and peers is a very strong preventive factor against dropout and both the personality and leadership of the coach were mentioned in multiple studies. A lack of methodological diversity, paired with the presence of only cross-sectional studies fulfilling the inclusivity criteria raises attention to the importance of examining underrepresented factors and the need for longitudinal research on the topic.

Systematic review registration

https://inplasy.com/inplasy-2024-11-0015/, INPLASY2024110015.

Factors influencing sport persistence still represent a knowledge gap - the experience of a systematic review

Investigating sport persistence can make a significant contribution to a thorough examination and understanding of the factors underlying an athlete's activity, integrating physical activity, sports motivation and commitment. This systematic review aimed to detect the papers focusing on the factors influencing sport persistence following the levels of Bronfenbrenner's and Bauman's ecological models. Following the PRISMA guidelines, by the EBSCO Discovery Service Search Engine, 512 records were detected, of which 21 met the criteria. Factors influencing sport persistence show a huge variety. Individual factors and micro-system level were overrepresented. Meso- and macro-level factors are underrepresented and measured only with other (individual or micro-system level) factors. Most factors detected at the individual (e.g. gender, age, career-related variables and positive psychological factors), micro- (e.g. family, peers and coaches), meso- (e.g. climate), and macro-level (cultural, societal, and institutional influences) were positively correlated with sport persistence, i.e. supporting the persistent behaviour of the athletes regarding participating in one's sporting activity. In conclusion, there is still room for further research concerning sport persistence. Including variables belonging to the meso- and macro-system and conducting longitudinal research should be considered which would allow us to better understand the nature of sport persistence.

Qualitative Analysis of Micro-System-Level Factors Determining Sport Persistence

Background/Objectives: Sport persistence is the embodiment of sports performance and mental toughness. It refers to our attempts concerning the performance plateau, failures, injuries, or even the resolution and processing of stressful situations associated with success and positive events. In our research, we used qualitative methods based on Bronfenbrenner's socio-ecological model to investigate the factors influencing sport persistence among high school and university athletes. Methods: The research was based on semi-structured interviews with 133 athletes. ATLAS.ti software and the grounded theory methodology were applied for data analysis. Our analysis grouped the responses according to Bronfenbrenner's categorisation system, highlighting motivational factors at the microsystem level. Our research question was as follows: What kind of factors dominate the development of sport persistence among adolescent (high school) and young adult (university) athletes along Bronfenbrenner's dimension of the microsystem? Results: Regarding the microsystem, family, peers, and coaches were mentioned as influential factors. Concerning the family, general, person-specific, family value-related, future-oriented, introjected, and disadvantage-compensating motivational components were identified. General, individual, community and relational factors were identified concerning peers. Concerning the coach, general, individual, community, and coach personality-driven motivational segments were detected. Conclusions: By recognising the complex interplay of systemic factors, we can design interventions targeting these factors at various socio-ecological levels, promoting youth sports and increasing physical activity among young people. These findings instil hope and motivation for the future of sports and physical activity.

Special Issue "Talent Identification and Development in Youth Sports"

We are delighted to share our Special Issue on Talent Identification and Development in Youth Sports [...].

Psychosocial aspects of sports medicine in pediatric athletes: Current concepts in the 21st century

Behavioral aspects of organized sports activity for pediatric athletes are considered in a world consumed with winning at all costs. In the first part of this treatise, we deal with a number of themes faced by our children in their sports play. These concepts include the lure of sports, sports attrition, the mental health of pediatric athletes (i.e., effects of stress, anxiety, depression, suicide in athletes, ADHD and stimulants, coping with injuries, drug use, and eating disorders), violence in sports (i.e., concepts of the abused athlete including sexual abuse), dealing with supervisors (i.e., coaches, parents), peers, the talented athlete, early sports specialization and sports clubs. In the second part of this discussion, we cover ergolytic agents consumed by young athletes in attempts to win at all costs. Sports doping agents covered include anabolic steroids (anabolic-androgenic steroids or AAS), androstenedione, dehydroepiandrostenedione (DHEA), human growth hormone (hGH; also its human recombinant homologue: rhGH), clenbuterol, creatine, gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB), amphetamines, caffeine and ephedrine. Also considered are blood doping that includes erythropoietin (EPO) and concepts of gene doping. In the last section of this discussion, we look at disabled pediatric athletes that include such concepts as athletes with spinal cord injuries (SCIs), myelomeningocele, cerebral palsy, wheelchair athletes, and amputee athletes; also covered are pediatric athletes with visual impairment, deafness, and those with intellectual disability including Down syndrome. In addition, concepts of autonomic dysreflexia, boosting and atlantoaxial instability are emphasized. We conclude that clinicians and society should protect our precious pediatric athletes who face many challenges in their involvement with organized sports in a world obsessed with winning. There is much we can do to help our young athletes find benefit from sports play while avoiding or blunting negative consequences of organized sport activities.