POSITIVE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT IN SPORTS AND GENDER IMPLICATIONS: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Revisão integrativa

Abstract

The objective of this study is to map research that addresses gender relations and positive development in sports. The search was conducted in the Web of Science and Scopus databases, using descriptors that relate sports, girls, and positive development. Studies with groups formed only by girls/women or mixed groups, children and/or adults were selected. Coaches could be men or women. Studies exclusively with boys or outside the sports context were not considered. We selected 20 articles and the results indicate a tendency towards qualitative approaches that use semi-structured interviews. The majority are geographically located in Canada (30%), approximately 25% of which can´t be identified as to the location, and the remaining 45% are distributed across eight locations. There is a lack of research that explores positive development in sports, especially in sports environments aimed at women or results that stratify their experience. A critical analysis of the findings may suggest that girls' low engagement is promoted by the social and cultural view that sports has a meaning related to men. The recommendation is to incorporate psychosocial skills instruction and experiences that aim to improve self-esteem, positive body image, and motivation to participate. Studies have shown that variables in the family context and the role of coaches have a different effect depending on gender. By neglecting social justice in sports practices and the recognition of the right to sport for all, there is a risk of perpetuating inequalities of opportunity.