Building Social Capital in University Students: A Physical Education Intervention Program

Abstract

Background: This study examines the effects of physical education on the social capital of university students, focusing on improving family, neighborhood, and academic relationships through group exercise. Methods: In Zagreb, Croatia, 976 participants aged 19–20 years participated in a randomized controlled trial. The intervention group (n = 472) engaged in teamwork exercises, and the control group (n = 504) completed individual exercises. The social capital measured in 6 areas was analyzed using linear regression and variance modeling. Results: Significant improvements in trust and collaboration within the university environment were found in the intervention group. Adjusted analyses showed positive correlations between the physical education intervention and increased trust between teachers and students (β = 0.118, P = .01), among students (β = 0.246, P = .01), and in total social capital (β = 0.617, P = .01). Residence in the parental home was associated with higher social capital. Notably, male and older students reported lower levels of trust and cooperation. Conclusions: Physical activity significantly improves the social capital of university students, suggesting the inclusion of group-based physical activities in higher education curricula to promote social inclusion and well-being. This underscores the importance of such interventions for educational policy and program development. © 2025 Human Kinetics, Inc.

Keywords

Author Keywords

collaborative learning health promotion interpersonal relationships physical activity effects student well-being

Index Keywords

adult female human male psychology Humans Article young adult Students student university Universities controlled study Collaborative learning Social inclusion major clinical study social capital teacher randomized controlled trial residence characteristics teamwork prevention exercise physical activity wellbeing human relation university student Croatia family health promotion neighborhood physical education trust Physical Education and Training

Author Affiliations

University of Zagreb, Faculty of Kinesiology, Zagreb, Croatia

Faculty of Education, Univerza v Ljubljani, Ljubljana, Slovenia

University of Zagreb, Faculty of Economics and Business, Zagreb, Croatia

Department of Public Health Sciences, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea

Department of Public Health Sciences, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea, Department of Health Policy and Management, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea

Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States, Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies, Cambridge, MA, United States

Funding & Acknowledgements

No funding information

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Building Social Capital in University Students: A Physical Education Intervention Program

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