Movement, games and sport in psychosocial intervention

This article, entitled "Movement, games and sport in psychosocial intervention: a critical discussion of its potential and limitations within cooperation for development", critically discusses the use of movement, games and sport in cooperation for development, in post conflict rehabilitation and in the context of violence, disaster and conflict.

Pointing out the ambivalent nature of sport and its limitations, we conclude that, if we really want to achieve an impact through movement, games and sport, we should use them as tools with concrete strategies according to specific goals, local context and based on the interests, needs and leadership of the participants.

In addition, we argue that in psychosocial intervention, sport is even more powerful combined with other movement, educational or therapeutic methods, and interventions. In spite of a few interesting evaluation and research projects, which we discuss briefly in this article, we still generally lack knowledge about the effects of the applied strategies.

Nevertheless, we conclude that there are some possible key factors and basic aspects to contribute to the development of pertinent and effective projects using the potential of movement, games and sport in psychosocial interventions within cooperation for development.

We also highlight the importance of the relationship with, and between, the participants and the active, dynamic and participatory character of the intervention.

How to access the paper
Contact the authors to obtain the paper. Please sign into your Team Player account to contact the authors:
Maria Rato Barrio
Clemens Ley