Life skills development and transfer amongst socially vulnerable adults through sports: a systematic review

This systematic review aims to provide an overview of the current knowledge regarding life skills development (LSD) and life skills transfer (LST) in sports programs serving adults in a socially vulnerable position. It identifies factors influencing LSD and LST in these sports programs, as well as possible differences in this regard between the various subgroups of social vulnerability. Potentially relevant studies were identified by searches of five databases, complemented by backward and forward snowballing. The 26 articles included reported the development of cognitive, emotional and/or social skills amongst socially vulnerable adults through participation in a sports program. In 20 studies, transfer was reported for at least one of the life skills developed. Potential factors that may influence the process of LSD and LST were related to the individual, the staff, the program design, the inherent demands of sport, a safe environment and social cohesion. Some differences in LSD and LST were found between subgroups of social vulnerable adults. However, because some subgroups were hardly represented, a comparison was difficult to make. This review showed that sports programs have the potential to help socially vulnerable adults develop and transfer life skills. Recommendations for future research are given.