Self-esteem and inclusion of black students: university sports associations and quality of academic life.

• Grant number: 23/12340-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: January 01, 2024
• End date: December 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Humanities - Psychology - Social Psychology
• Principal Investigator: Alessandro de Oliveira dos Santos
• Grantee: Thammy Soares de Souza Cunha
• Host Institution: Instituto de Psicologia (IP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 18/15573-0 - Limits and possibilities of the good-living to black students in institutions of higher education: the case of the University of São Paulo, AP.JP2

Abstract

The academic environment, although designed for intellectual and professional development, can have negative effects on students' mental health. This situation becomes even more concerning when considering the Subjective Well-Being (SWB) of Black students in universities, which is significantly lower compared to non-Black students. Given that physical and sports activities are identified as factors that improve quality of life, this project aims to investigate the well-being and academic quality of life of Black university students at the University of São Paulo (USP) who participate in sports associations. This study seeks to complement the broader project "Limits and Possibilities for the Good Living of Black Students in Higher Education Institutions," focusing on the benefits that physical activities can bring to these students' quality of life. Qualitative methods will be employed through semi-structured interviews with Black students involved in USP sports associations. The work plan includes: participation in project and guidance meetings, literature review, elaboration of reviews, and data analysis. The project has an expected duration of 24 months and will require a 40-hour weekly commitment from the scholarship holder. At the end of the research period, it is expected that the scholarship holder will have contributed relevant data to the broader project, and that her activities will help elucidate how participation in physical and sports activities can positively influence the well-being and academic quality of life of Black students. Additionally, it is expected that the scholarship holder will broaden her training in the field of ethnic-racial relations and acquire specific skills for research work. Thus, the project aims not only to contribute scientific data on the intersection between physical activities, well-being, and ethnic-racial relations in the academic setting, but also to train researchers who are sensitized and qualified to work in this line of investigation.