The positive impact of sports participation on life skills’ development: a qualitative study with medical students

Abstract

We aimed to explore life skills development among medical student- athletes who participated in a university basketball team. We conducted qualitative constructivist research based on the life skills approach. Medical students from the college basketball team were interviewed in-depth. Using inductive thematic analysis, two independent researchers generated codes and themes. Methodological integrity and self-reflection process were carefully followed. Our analyses revealed that the medical students involved as athletes in college basketball were likely to perceive life skills development to contribute to their future medical careers. Several life skills were mentioned, such as time management, leadership, teamwork, learning improvement and mental performance. The coach was the one mentioned as the essential agent in developing life skills. This study highlighted how a rational and responsible commitment to sports could contribute to developing life skills that might be transferable to a future medical career.