Integrated Physical Education for Mental Health: Enhancing Emotional Regulation, Self-Esteem, and Stress Resilience in Adolescents through Sports, Mindfulness, and Reflection

Authors

  • Valentina Stefanica Department of Physical Education and Sport, Faculty of Sciences, Physical Education and Informatics, National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, Pitesti University Center, Pitesti, Romania
  • Aurelia Cristina Macri Department of Physical Education and Sport, Faculty of Sciences, Physical Education and Informatics, National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, Pitesti University Center, Pitesti, Romania
  • Cristina Maria Man Department of Physical Education and Sport, Faculty of Law and Social Sciences, University 1 Decembrie 1918 of Alba Iulia, Romania
  • Ana Maria Vasile Master's Student in Curricular and Extracurricular Motor Activities , Faculty of Sciences, Physical Education and Informatics, National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, Pitesti University Center, Pitesti, Romania
  • Adriana Mateescu Department of Physical Education and Sport, Faculty of Sciences, Physical Education and Informatics, National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, Pitesti University Center, Pitesti, Romania
  • Corina Popescu Department of Physical Education and Sport, Faculty of Sciences, Physical Education and Informatics, National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, Pitesti University Center, Pitesti, Romania
  • Florin Cojanu Department of Physical Education and Sport, Faculty of Sciences, Physical Education and Informatics, National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, Pitesti University Center, Pitesti, Romania
  • Diana Hristache Department of Physical Education and Sport, Faculty of Sciences, Physical Education and Informatics, National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, Pitesti University Center, Pitesti, Romania
  • Petronela Maria Talpas Department of Social Sciences, Faculty of Law and Social Sciences, University 1 Decembrie 1918 of Alba Iulia, Romania
  • Ana Maria Tataru Department of Medical Assistance and Physical Therapy, Faculty of Physical Education, Sports Science and Informatics, National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, Pitesti University Center, Pitesti, Romania
  • Nikolaos Mavritsakis Department of Physical Education and Sport, Faculty of Law and Social Sciences, University 1 Decembrie 1918 of Alba Iulia, Romania

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18662/rrem/17.3/1023

Keywords:

emotional regulation, mental health promotion, psychological resilience, educational psychology, school-based intervention

Abstract

This research explored how a planned physical education program, which combined team sports, mindfulness activities, and reflective exercises, could support the mental health of high school adolescents. Using a quasi-experimental design with pre- and post-assessments, the study included 60 teenagers (30 boys and 30 girls, aged 15–17) who were randomly divided into an experimental group (n = 30) and a control group (n = 30). Over eight weeks, the intervention group participated in structured sessions focused on emotional regulation, while the control group continued with standard physical education. Psychological outcomes were assessed using the Emotional Balance Scale (EBS), Self-Esteem Inventory (SEI), and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Analyses included Shapiro-Wilk tests, Cronbach’s alpha, paired t-tests, and a 2×2 Mixed-Design ANOVA.  The intervention group showed significant improvements in emotional balance (M = 2.90 to 4.60; p < 0.01, d = 2.002), self-esteem (M = 41.00 to 57.50; p < 0.001, d = 2.134), and reduced stress (M = 19.80 to 12.10; p < 0.01, d = –2.432). No significant changes occurred in the control group. ANOVA confirmed significant Group × Time interactions (p < 0.001) with large effect sizes (η² > 0.38). These findings demonstrate that integrating emotional development strategies into physical education can significantly enhance adolescents’ psychological well-being. The results support incorporating structured, multidimensional programs into school curricula to improve emotional regulation, self-esteem, and stress resilience.

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Published

2025-09-19

How to Cite

Stefanica, V., Macri , A. C. ., Man, C. M., Vasile, A. M., Mateescu, A., Popescu, C., Cojanu, . F., Hristache, D., Talpas, . P. M., Tataru, A. M., & Mavritsakis, N. (2025). Integrated Physical Education for Mental Health: Enhancing Emotional Regulation, Self-Esteem, and Stress Resilience in Adolescents through Sports, Mindfulness, and Reflection. Revista Romaneasca Pentru Educatie Multidimensionala, 17(3), 295-312. https://doi.org/10.18662/rrem/17.3/1023

Issue

Vol. 17 No. 3 (2025): Revista Romaneasca pentru Educatie Multidimensionala

Section

Education, Sport and Health

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