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Contrary to popular belief, sports may not benefit everyone. According to two studies, the effects of playing a sport differ between children growing up in urban and rural areas.
Presented at the American Psychological Association's annual meeting in San Francisco, Calif., two studies reveal involvement in sports may have a positive effect on urban youth but a negative impact on children living in rural areas. Researchers from Clark University in Mass. studied 445 seventh graders from poor inner-city neighborhoods. Children involved in sports from these neighborhoods report higher self-esteem, and teachers view them as more socially skilled and less shy. They also found 13-year old boys who participate in sports are less likely to try marijuana than boys of the same age who had not played sports.
On the other hand, a study involving 4,000 high school females from rural areas showed very different results. According to the study, sports participation may actually increase the likelihood of delinquent behaviors and drug abuse among athletes in rural communities. Researchers also found playing sports did not appear to deter girls from gang involvement. Previous studies have shown substance use is prevalent in rural communities. Because there are fewer peers in these settings, study author Matthew Taylor, Ph.D., from the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse, says environment plays a big role. He says, "If one does not wish to hang out with peers who are involved in drug use, there may not be many options for those youth as opposed to urban youth who may have more access to a wider variety of peer groups."
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Previous research on the impact of sports focuses on high school or college students growing up in suburban or rural areas. Authors believe the two new studies point out major differences between environment and life transition periods. However, Dr. Taylor believes more research is necessary. He says, "I think that the influence of sports is quite indirect, and researchers should look at a variety of other variables such as peer groups and ultimately the meaning behind sports participation and competition."
SOURCE: American Psychological Association Annual Meeting in San Francisco, Calif.
This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, who offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, go to: http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/.
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