The Longitudinal Association Between Organized Leisure Sports and School-Related Social Well-Being

Background/Objectives: Previous research has found positive associations between physical activity and leisure-time sport participation and subjective well-being among children and adolescents. However, most of this evidence is cross-sectional. In this study, we add to this discussion by examining the hypothesized positive longitudinal association between participation in organized leisure sports and subsequent school-related well-being. Methods: We utilize different data sources: (1) pooled three-wave panel data for fifth- to ninth-grade pupils on sports participation, (2) register data on socio-economic background, and (3) the National Danish Well-Being Survey (initial sample size of 1210 pupils). We compile a longitudinal dataset with a distinguishable temporal ordering of exposure (participation in organized leisure sports), which is measured prior to the outcome (school-related well-being). In the statistical analyses, we employ augmented inverse probability weighting to minimize observed confounding. Results: Adjusting for the major confounders discussed in the literature, we find that participation in organized leisure sports is associated with higher subsequent school-related well-being levels of pupils (n = 998). The association was 0.18 (CI = 0.091–0.268) on a scale of 1–5, corresponding to a 4.4 percent increase, and a Cohen’s d of 0.31. Conclusions: Leisure-time sports participation was longitudinally associated with greater subjective well-being in a non-clinical population, with potential benefits extending to the school context. Further research using designs capable of strengthening causal inference is warranted.