Use of Football in Programs to Reduce Stigma Toward Mental Illness: A Comparison of the Effectiveness of Contact Interaction and Video-Based Approaches

Use of Football in Programs to Reduce Stigma Toward Mental Illness: A Comparison of the Effectiveness of Contact Interaction and Video-Based Approaches

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the effectiveness of football-based interventions in reducing stigma toward mental illness among university students. The main questions it aims to answer are:

• Does participating in a contact-based education program involving football help reduce stigma toward mental illness among university students?
• What are the effects of three different intervention methods on reducing stigma toward mental illness?

Researchers will compare the traditional contact-based education program with the other two interventions to evaluate their differences in effectiveness.

Participants will:

• Be randomly assigned to one of the three intervention groups.
• Complete online assessments to measure attitudes toward mental illness before and after the intervention.
• Participate in qualitative interviews to provide in-depth feedback on their experiences and perceptions.

Inclusion Criteria:

• University students currently enrolled, aged between 18 and 30 years.
• In good physical condition with no contraindications to exercise (i.e., not diagnosed by a physician or advised to avoid physical activity, and with no items selected on the PAR-Q+ [Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire for Everyone]).
• Able to follow the study procedures and provide signed informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Individuals who are unable to safely participate in football activities due to intellectual disability, pregnancy, head injury, cardiovascular disease, or other neuromuscular or musculoskeletal disorders.
• Individuals who are unable to effectively participate in the intervention program or complete assessments due to significant emotional disturbances, personality disorders, substance (alcohol) abuse, or severe mental illness.