Staffordshire University logo
STORE - Staffordshire Online Repository

A political spectator sport or policy priority? A review of sport, physical activity and public mental health policy

Smith, AS, Jones, JJ, Houghton, LH and Duffell, TD (2016) A political spectator sport or policy priority? A review of sport, physical activity and public mental health policy. International Journal of Sport Policy and Politics, 8 (4). pp. 593-607. ISSN 1940-6940

[img] Text
Smith et al_Sport PA and MH_IJSPP FINAL NAMED (STORE version).docx
Available under License All Rights Reserved.

Download (80kB)

Abstract or description

In the context of policy and political claims about the benefits of encouraging participation in sport, physical activity (PA) and exercise for physical and mental health, and for improving the effectiveness of prevention, early intervention and treatment services for people with mental illness, this article provides, for the first time, a critical overview of policy related to community sport, PA and public mental health (PMH). Focusing on England, the article analyses 18 key policy documents published between 1995 and May 2016. We explain that the promotion of PMH and prevention and treatment of mental illness through participation in PA or exercise, as a formal goal of mental health policy, has been generally absent from the public health policy landscape. Until very recently, PMH and illness are also shown to be neglected as core priorities of community sport and PA policy in England. Even where PMH is discussed explicitly in national policy, a clear definition of specific and measurable goals, which can be used to determine the efficacy, effectiveness and comparative effectiveness of policy in addressing PMH outcomes, is notably absent. The article concludes by suggesting that, at present, the improvement of PMH and tackling mental illness through community sport and PA appears to be more of a political spectator sport than a clearly thought-out, sustained and long-term commitment of public policy.

Item Type: Article
Faculty: School of Life Sciences and Education > Sport and Exercise
Depositing User: Thomas DUFFELL
Date Deposited: 02 Oct 2018 08:48
Last Modified: 24 Feb 2023 13:52
Related URLs:
URI: https://eprints.staffs.ac.uk/id/eprint/4778

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item

DisabledGo Staffordshire University is a recognised   Investor in People. Sustain Staffs
Legal | Freedom of Information | Site Map | Job Vacancies
Staffordshire University, College Road, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire ST4 2DE t: +44 (0)1782 294000