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European Review of Aging and Physical Activity

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Open Access 01-12-2017 | Review article

Relational developmental systems metatheory: a conceptual framework to understand and promote older adults’ involvement in sport

Authors: Amy M. Gayman, Jessica Fraser-Thomas, Joseph Baker

Published in: European Review of Aging and Physical Activity | Issue 1/2017

Abstract

Sport is viewed as a vehicle to develop or augment adaptive developmental processes, resources, and experiences across the lifespan. However, research has acknowledged that sport participation is associated with costs as well as benefits in older adulthood. To fully understand the influence of sport participation on psychosocial and developmental outcomes in older people, insight into the dynamic and complex relationship between the individual and his/her environment is needed. This review proposes Relational Developmental Systems (RDS) metatheory as a conceptual framework to understand the outcomes of sport participation later in life. Knowledge of the mechanisms, processes, and bi-directional exchanges related to individual and contextual relations emphasised in RDS frameworks may help researchers gain an understanding of the means by which sport participation shapes developmental outcomes evident within and among older athletes. Key assumptions of the metatheory are introduced and discussed in relation to the sport setting. Specific examples from the literature on older athletes are presented to illustrate the relationship between individual and contextual factors on developmental outcomes. Finally, considerations for future research on the topic are proposed using an RDS lens to move the field forward.

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Title: Relational developmental systems metatheory: a conceptual framework to understand and promote older adults’ involvement in sport
Authors: Amy M. Gayman
Jessica Fraser-Thomas
Joseph Baker
Publication date: 01-12-2017
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: European Review of Aging and Physical Activity / Issue 1/2017
Print ISSN: 1813-7253
Electronic ISSN: 1861-6909
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s11556-017-0182-6

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