This report reviews theoretical underpinnings and practical methods utilized by psychosocial sports programmes in helping children traumatized in disaster. The method of assessment examines existing research and documentation on the subject of psychosocial sports interventions with youth traumatized by disasters, and draws upon the learning examples from currently active psychosocial sports programmes in the field.
Using sports as a method to support children and youth who experience trauma in a disaster is a new application in the field of sport and development. But beyond anecdotal data claiming that these programmes are successful as treatment and prevention programmes, there is limited empirical data that these programmes are truly effective.
This report demonstrates that sport and play are effective healing methods for supporting children and youth in overcoming from the ravages of trauma from disasters. Furthermore, it is found that the introduction of equity oriented sports programmes may also have unforeseen positive, significant community and social level impacts.
[Abstract adapted from the author]
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