ECSS Paris 2023: OP-SH07
Introduction Social connection is critical to the health and wellbeing of individuals, communities, and societies. Within walking football (WF), a modified format for middle-aged and older adults, social connection is frequently reported as a central outcome of participation. However, despite its prominence within the WF literature, there remains a paucity of theoretically informed qualitative research examining how social connections are formed, experienced, maintained, and sometimes constrained. This study addresses this gap by examining how WF activates and develops social connection and social wellbeing among its participants. Methods This study adopted a qualitative research design. One-to-one semi-structured interviews were conducted with twelve current WF players, generating 17 hours of data. Transcripts were analysed using a thematic, iterative approach, with sociological theories of identity, social ties, and social support acting as primary sensemaking frameworks. Results Preliminary analysis identified five key, interrelated mechanisms through which WF promotes social connection and social wellbeing. Participants described how WF facilitated: (1) the development of a role-based identity that provided purpose, meaning, and behavioural guidance; (2) access to emotional, practical, and informational support from similar others; (3) opportunities for passive social comparison that positively influenced sustained engagement; (4) a sense of belonging; and (5) positive self-esteem and confidence. Discussion This study makes an original contribution by moving beyond descriptive accounts of social benefits to provide a theoretically informed explanation of the identity- and social-based mechanisms underpinning the formation and maintenance of social connection and social wellbeing. These findings have important implications for the design of WF and other sports-based programmes aimed at improving health and quality of life. They highlight the need to deliberately cultivate inclusive and supportive cultures that affirm participants’ identities, facilitate meaningful and supportive relationships, and promote self-worth, belonging, and embeddedness.
Read CV Egan GoodisonECSS Paris 2023: OP-SH07