The effect of sports participation on the psychological well-being of young northern residents

Aim. This study aims to investigate the effect of sports participation on the psychological well-being of adolescent residents of northern regions. Material and methods. The study was conducted at the Magadan Polytechnic College. Participants were young males aged 16 to 18 years, divided into two groups. The main group consisted of 34 athlete students (mean age 16.09 ± 0.06 years). The control group consisted of 36 non-athlete students (mean age 16.37 ± 0.11 years). Psychological well-being was assessed using a battery of tests, including the Subjective Well-Being Scale by A. Perrudet-Badoux (as adapted by M. Sokolova), the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21), the I. Gurvich Neuropsychic Adaptation Scale, and the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Results. The study demonstrated beneficial effects of sports participation on psychological well-being. The main group showed statistically significant improvements in subjective well-being (p < 0.05), alongside lower levels of state and trait anxiety (p < 0.01), stress (p < 0.01), general distress (p < 0.01), and superior neuropsychic adaptation (p < 0.01). Athlete students exhibited superior well-being and adaptive capabilities compared to the control group that displayed greater susceptibility to stress and a higher potential risk for mental disorders. Conclusion. These findings substantiate the development of adaptation programs that incorporate physical education and sports as part of social and adaptational strategies. Such initiatives are crucial for enhancing the quality of life for youth living in the extreme climatic conditions of the northern regions.