Abstract

The qualitative systematic review aims to present critical analysis regarding association of involvement in sports and physical activities with suicidal behaviors among school-going adolescents. Twelve major research databases were considered for search and following systematically identification, screening, and assessing eligibility, a total of thirty studies (29 cross-sectional and one longitudinal) were finally included in this review. This qualitative synthesis found weak support in favor of beneficial effects of involvement in sports and physical activities on reduction in suicidal behaviors for male school-going adolescents. However, these findings are less consistent for developing countries and minority groups in advanced countries. Findings regarding relationship of these variables for female school-going adolescents are inconclusive. Future studies with strong study designs and utilization of gold standard validated measuring instruments are essential for strong evidence particularly resolving controversial findings emerged for females