Changes in behavioural and emotional well-being of children participating in the Icehearts programme: A feasibility pilot study with 4-year follow-up

Background: Organized sport is shown to be a promising tool for promoting mental health and positive youth development (PYD) among socially vulnerable children and young people. Icehearts is a Finnish sport-based positive youth development programme targeted at children and adolescents with a higher risk of social marginalization and mental health problems. It provides socially vulnerable children with a mentoring relationship that lasts 12 years through childhood and adolescence. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in behavioural and emotional well-being of participating children at 4-year follow-up. Methods: Data for the feasibility pilot study were collected from parents and teachers of programme participants (n = 65) at baseline (age 7) and at a 4-year follow-up using Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaires. A community sample of peers was used as a reference group (n = 75). Results: Improvement in prosocial behaviour but no statistically significant changes in different areas of internalising or externalising problems, as assessed by the teachers, were found among programme participants. According to the assessments by the parents, no statistically significant changes among programme participants were found. Among the peers in the reference group, a statistically significant decrease in conduct and emotional problems and an increase in prosocial behaviour were observed. Conclusion: The Icehearts programme may have potential in promoting prosocial behaviour among socially vulnerable children. However, the programme may not be able to reduce emotional and behavioural problems in all children. Further research is needed on how to best support children in need for psychiatric or child welfare services.