Sport Participation, Academic Engagement, and Well-Being Among Adolescents Impacted by Parental Incarceration

Authors

Sarah Kaja, University of MinnesotaFollow
Amy L. Gower Ph.D., University of Minnesota Medical SchoolFollow
Frederique Corcoran, University of MinnesotaFollow
Ingie Osman, University of MinnesotaFollow
Elizabeth Shaver, University of MinnesotaFollow
Samantha J. Adler, University of MinnesotaFollow
Rebecca Shlafer, University of Minnesota - Twin CitiesFollow

Abstract

Millions of American adolescents have experienced the developmental consequences associated with parental incarceration. Positive youth development activities, including sports team participation, could buffer some of the risks of parental incarceration. Research on sports involvement among adolescents impacted by parental incarceration is scant and suggests their participation may be limited, though a significant body of research among adolescents in general demonstrates sports team participation is associated with better outcomes. We addressed important gaps in research by 1) estimating the prevalence of sports team participation among adolescents impacted by parental incarceration, 2) examining whether sports team participation differed by socioeconomic status in this population, and 3) testing associations between sports team participation and academic engagement, signs of emotional distress, and substance use. We used student survey data from 13,423 eighth, ninth, and 11th grade students in Minnesota who reported current or past experiences of parental incarceration. Adolescents also reported sports team participation; school grades; school absenteeism; symptoms of depression, anxiety, and suicidality; and use of alcohol, e-cigarettes, and cannabis. We examined frequencies and percentages of variables and tested associations of sports participation with dependent variables of interest using logistic regressions. About 38% of adolescents impacted by parental incarceration participated on a sports team. Sports team participation was most prevalent among adolescents with the highest access to resources. Participating on a sports team was significantly associated with higher odds of earning school grades of As and Bs and lower odds of being chronically absent from school, experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, or suicidality, and using e-cigarettes or cannabis. Schools, communities, and other organizations should support sports team participation among adolescents and families who have been impacted by parental incarceration, particularly those with fewer financial resources.

Recommended Citation

Kaja, Sarah; Gower, Amy L. Ph.D.; Corcoran, Frederique; Osman, Ingie; Shaver, Elizabeth; Adler, Samantha J.; and Shlafer, Rebecca (2025) "Sport Participation, Academic Engagement, and Well-Being Among Adolescents Impacted by Parental Incarceration," Journal of Youth Development: Vol. 20: Iss. 4, Article 5.
Available at: https://open.clemson.edu/jyd/vol20/iss4/5