U.S. Public Opinion About the Personal Development and Social Capital Benefits of Sport: Analyzing Components of the Great Sport Myth

Abstract

Beliefs that sport participation inherently leads to personal development and social capital benefits are essential components of the Great Sport Myth (GSM). The purpose of this study was to examine the extent to which U.S. adults embrace these components of the GSM. Also, we sought to better understand the extent to which primary groups, social stratification indicators, and sport experiences pattern beliefs in the personal development and social capital benefits of sports. Data were collected through a large national U.S. survey, the National Sports and Society Survey, and analyzed with multiple regression analyses. Findings suggest that most Americans espouse beliefs in the personal development and social capital benefits of sports. Furthermore, primary groups, stratification indicators, and positive sport experiences consistently appear to shape beliefs about these aspects of the GSM.