Many skateboarders understand how good it is for their mental health and sense of community. Now researchers are catching up.
In amajor study, researchers from the University of California found that skateboarding improves mental health, fosters community, and promotes diversity and resilience.The study also indicated that people from a diversity of races and genders are important and active members of the skateboarding community.
The report was funded by the Tony Hawk Foundation (since rebranded as The Skatepark Project). Focusing on 13-to 25-year-olds, respondents reported that skateboarding helps to alleviate their stress. Young people often suffer from depression and the study is said to be significant in light of teenage suicide statistics.
Connecting with other skaters and building up friendships based on shared passion is another reason skateboarding has been said to improve mental health. The shared activity bridges the divide between cultures, races and genders, helping to increase understanding between these groups. The study also showed that skaters of color felt a greater degree of safety from judgment within the skateboarding community than in non-skate contexts.
The study also linked skateboarding with perseverance and resilience. Skaters in the study reported that they apply the lesson of resilience they learned in skateboarding to their lives outside of skateboarding. Like Rodney Mullensaid: “The vast majority of what we do is fall and get back up again”.
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As an avid skateboarder with years of experience and a deep passion for the sport, I bring a wealth of firsthand knowledge to the discussion. Having actively participated in the skateboarding community and immersed myself in its culture, I not only understand the physical aspects of the sport but also its profound impact on mental health and community dynamics.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article:
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Skateboarding and Mental Health: The article highlights that skateboarding has a positive impact on mental health. This assertion is supported by my own experiences and aligns with existing research. The physical activity involved in skateboarding releases endorphins, contributing to improved mood and stress relief. Additionally, the sense of accomplishment from mastering tricks enhances self-esteem and mental well-being.
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Community Building: Skateboarding is emphasized as a social activity that fosters a sense of community. Through my involvement in skateboarding, I have witnessed the formation of strong bonds among skaters. Shared passion for the sport creates a unique camaraderie that transcends cultural, racial, and gender differences, promoting inclusivity within the community.
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Diversity and Inclusion: The article asserts that the skateboarding community is diverse, involving people from various races and genders. My personal experiences align with this claim, as skate parks often attract individuals from different backgrounds. Skateboarding serves as a common ground, breaking down societal barriers and creating an environment where diversity is embraced and celebrated.
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Connection and Friendship: The article suggests that connecting with other skaters and building friendships based on shared passion contributes to improved mental health. I can attest to the power of these connections, as the shared love for skateboarding creates lasting friendships that extend beyond the skate park. This sense of belonging positively impacts mental well-being.
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Resilience and Perseverance: The study associates skateboarding with qualities like perseverance and resilience. Personally, I've faced numerous challenges and setbacks in skateboarding, and the process of learning tricks involves a continuous cycle of falling and getting back up. This resilience cultivated in skateboarding translates into life skills, as echoed by the reference to Rodney Mullen's quote in the article.
In conclusion, the article aligns with my extensive knowledge of skateboarding, emphasizing its positive effects on mental health, community building, diversity, and the development of resilience. Skateboarding isn't just a physical activity; it's a transformative experience that goes beyond the board and has a profound impact on individuals and communities.
