Exploring the Mediating Role of Self-Perception in the Relationship Between Sports Participation and Prosocial Behaviour

Abstract

Sports have long been recognized as a powerful tool for developing not only physical fitness but also social values and psychological well-being. For university athletes, participation in competitive sports provides an important platform for building character, enhancing self-perception, and encouraging prosocial behaviour. So, the present study was designed to examine the mediating role of self-perception in the relationship between sports participation and prosocial behaviour among university athletes. The objectives of the study were: to investigate the relationship between sports participation and prosocial behaviour, to assess the association between sports participation and self-perception, and finally to test the mediating role of self-perception between sports participation and prosocial behaviour. A descriptive survey research design with a cross-sectional approach was used to collect data within a specific time frame. The participants included 731 university athletes drawn from both public and private institutions who had actively participated in football, hockey, basketball, cricket, rugby, and badminton. A proportionate sampling technique was applied, selecting 10% of the athletes from a total population of 7,300. In conclusion, the study emphasizes that sports participation contributes to the psychological and social development of athletes by enhancing their self-perception and encouraging prosocial behaviours. It highlights the important role of sports in shaping positive self-image and fostering social well-being among university athletes.