A descriptive analysis of the sport, health, and psychological characteristics of at-risk youth in Guatemala

Abstract

Guatemala is a country with a long history of conflict, poverty and violence that still affects young people. However, their exist non-governmental organizations such as Guatemalan Olympic Foundation (FUNOG) whose purpose is imparting sport and Olympic values as educational principles of the institution. The aim of this study is to describe the sport, health, and psychological characteristics of the youth who participate in this organization. The research’s objectives were accomplished through a quantitative methodology and the involvement of 91 participants. Results emphasised the participants’ elevated levels of physical activity exceeded those of other youth of same ages. No link was found between the level of physical activity and other personal or health variables. Age was negatively correlated with factors pertaining to meaning in life but not with dialectics. A correlation was found between self-esteem and goals, tasks, and empathy, but health literacy was negatively correlated with interpersonal relationships. These data incentivise us to design and evaluate sport programmes not only as an educational strategy to promote health literacy and social-emotional skills, but also to improve the perception of the purpose of life.

Keywords

• vulnerable young people
• educational values
• sports
• health
• social-emotional skills