Using psychological skills training from sport psychology to enhance the life satisfaction of adolescent Mexican orphans

The purpose of this study was to determine if a psychological skills training program based on sport psychology could enhance the global self-worth and perceived life satisfaction of adolescent Mexican orphans. Adolescents (N = 34) completed the Self-Perception Profile for Adolescents and the Satisfaction With Life Scale and were invited to take part in 15 sessions involving discussions and activities related to optimal activation, concentration and attention, imagery, self-talk, time-management, and self-confidence. Each session also contained active games, the majority or which were designed to develop teamwork, communication, and trust. Thirty participants attended between 5 and 13 sessions each, and 26 of those completed the questionnaires a second time at the end of the program. There was a significant increase in both global self-worth and perceived life satisfaction. Possible cultural issues relevant to the participants are discussed