دانشگاه اصفهان مطالعات وقف و امور خیریه 3115-7475 4 1 2026 03 21 The Role of Philanthropic Participation in the Development of Sport and the Promotion of Youth Mental Health نقش مشارکت خیّرین در توسعة ورزش و ارتقای سلامت روان جوانان 21 40 30239 10.22108/ecs.2026.147458.1163 FA زهره موسوی استادیار گروه روانشناسی، دانشکدۀ علوم تربیتی و روانشناسی، دانشگاه اصفهان، اصفهان، ایران آذر محققیان دانشجوی دکتری گروه مدیریت ورزشی و رفتار حرکتی، دانشکدۀ علوم ورزشی، دانشگاه اصفهان، اصفهان، ایران سجاد سلطان حسینی دانشجوی دکتری روانشناسی صنعتی و سازمانی، دانشکدۀ روانشناسی و علوم تربیتی، دانشگاه اصفهان، اصفهان، ایران Journal Article 2025 11 16 <strong>Introduction</strong><br />In recent decades, mental health has increasingly been recognized as a fundamental pillar of sustainable societal development, with the World Health Organization emphasizing the inseparable relationship between mental health and overall public health. Within this context, young people, as key human capital and a driving force of development, are more vulnerable than other age groups to psychological disorders resulting from academic, occupational, and social pressures, as well as identity-related transitions. Global evidence indicates that mental disorders constitute one of the leading contributors to the burden of disease among individuals aged 15 to 29, and approximately 20% of young people worldwide experience at least one mental health problem annually (Ouali et al., 2025). In Iran, given the country’s youth-oriented demographic structure, domestic studies likewise report a considerable prevalence of psychological problems among this population.<br />Contemporary approaches to mental health, particularly positive psychology, conceptualize mental health beyond the mere absence of illness and emphasize components such as well-being, positive social relationships, and a sense of meaning in life (Arslan, 2023). Within this framework, sport, as a multidimensional and social phenomenon, possesses substantial potential to promote young people’s mental health by strengthening social interactions, self-esteem, and psychological flourishing (Cowan & Taylor, 2016). Nevertheless, the development of inclusive sport requires resources and structural support that cannot be provided solely by the public sector. In this regard, the participation of sports philanthropists, as a form of social capital, can play a significant role in the development of sport and the enhancement of young people’s mental health. Despite this potential, the lack of integrated models that systematically explain these relationships represents a notable research gap. Accordingly, the main research question of the present study is: How does the participation of philanthropists contribute to the development of sport and the promotion of young people’s mental health?<br /><strong> </strong><strong>Methodology</strong><br />This study employed a qualitative approach grounded in Grounded Theory, utilizing the systematic approach outlined by Strauss and Corbin (1998). The aim of the research was to explain the role of philanthropists’ participation in the development of sport and its consequences for young people’s mental health based on the experiences and perceptions of participants. The study population consisted of experts in sport management, sports philanthropists, psychologists, and beneficiary youth. Sampling was conducted purposively and theoretically, and continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. In total, 22 semi-structured interviews were conducted. The interviews lasted between 30 and 60 minutes, were audio-recorded after obtaining informed consent, and subsequently transcribed verbatim. Data analysis was performed using MAXQDA software (version 20) through the three stages of open, axial, and selective coding. To enhance the trustworthiness of the findings, the four criteria proposed by Guba and Lincoln—credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability—were applied, and all ethical principles of research were fully observed.<br /><strong>Findings</strong><br />Based on the Grounded Theory method using the Strauss and Corbin (1998) approach, a paradigmatic model of philanthropists’ participation in the development of sport and the promotion of young people’s mental health was developed in the form of a systematic framework. This model comprised a core category, causal conditions, strategies, contextual conditions, intervening conditions, and consequences, and was derived from 17 subcategories and 63 concepts. The findings indicated that the core category of philanthropists’ participation in sport development is dynamically interconnected with other categories. Causal conditions—including mental health needs, philanthropists’ capacities, and institutional neglect—were identified as key drivers of the central phenomenon. Five strategic actions (comprehensive support, networking, participatory planning, sport-based empowerment, and social advocacy), implemented in interaction with contextual conditions (socio-cultural context, sport infrastructure, and supportive policies) and intervening conditions (administrative barriers and financial and operational constraints), ultimately lead to desirable outcomes, such as the promotion of young people’s mental health, individual–social development of youth, and the development of sport. The results demonstrate how the dynamic interaction between philanthropists’ capacities and young people’s mental health needs, when guided by appropriate strategies, can contribute to the creation of sustainable social value.<br /><strong>Discussion and Conclusion</strong><br />The findings of this study indicate that sport, as an effective socio-psychological platform, can play a significant role in improving the mental health of youth by reducing anxiety and depression, enhancing social vitality, strengthening social belonging, and promoting psychological resilience. This role is further strengthened and sustained through the purposeful participation of philanthropists. Key strategies identified as mechanisms for realizing this participation include comprehensive support, inter-organizational networking, participatory planning, sport-based empowerment, and social advocacy. However, administrative obstacles, financial constraints, and operational weaknesses challenge the effectiveness of these strategies, highlighting the urgent need for institutional reform, increased transparency, and the development of coherent supportive policies. Moreover, contextual factors such as the culture of philanthropy, sports infrastructure, and legal frameworks play a decisive role in the success or failure of philanthropists' engagement. Overall, the results demonstrate that philanthropists’ participation in sports development goes beyond a temporary supportive action and represents a strategic social investment that can lead to improved mental health, individual and social growth of youth, and sustainable sports development. These findings underscore the necessity for policymakers and sports managers to design institutionalized models for philanthropists’ engagement.<br /><strong>Acknowledgment</strong><br />With utmost respect, sincere thanks, and appreciation are extended to all participants who generously contributed their time and valuable insights to this research.  <br />با توجه به اهمیت توسعة ورزش به‌ عنوان بستری برای ارتقای سلامت روان جوانان، پژوهش حاضر با هدف تبیین نقش مشارکت خیّرین در توسعة ورزش و ارتقای سلامت روان جوانان انجام شد. این پژوهش به روش کیفی و بر اساس  نظریۀ داده­بنیاد رهیافت اشتراوس و کوربین (1998) انجام شد. با استفاده از نمونه‌گیری هدفمند و نظری، با 22 نفر از ذی‌نفعان شامل خیّرین ورزشی، جوانان بهره‌بردار، مدیران ورزشی و متخصصان روانشناسی ورزشی مصاحبۀ نیمه‌ساختاریافتۀ عمیق انجام شد. داده‌ها با استفاده از نرم‌افزار MAXQDA تحلیل شدند. مشارکت خیّرین در توسعۀ ورزش به عنوان مقولۀ محوری در تعامل با شرایط علّی (نیازهای سلامت روان، ظرفیت‌های خیّرین و غفلت نهادی)، راهبردهای (حمایت همه‌جانبه، شبکه‌سازی، برنامه‌ریزی مشارکتی، توانمندسازی ورزش‌محور و ترویج اجتماعی)، شرایط زمینه­ای (بستر فرهنگی-اجتماعی، زیرساخت ورزشی و سیاست‌های حمایتی)، شرایط مداخله‌گر (موانع اداری و محدودیت‌های مالی) و پیامدهای مطلوب (ارتقای سلامت روان، توسعۀ فردی-اجتماعی جوانان و توسعۀ ورزش) قرار دارد. این الگو که بر اساس 63 مفهوم و 17 کد فرعی استخراج شده است، روابط نظام‌مند مؤثر بر مشارکت خیّرین در توسعۀ ورزش و ارتقای سلامت روان جوانان را به ‌صورت یکپارچه تبیین می‌کند و می ­تواند به عنوان راهنمایی برای سیاست‌گذاران، خیّرین و مدیران ورزشی در طراحی برنامه‌های مؤثرتر به کار رود.<br />  https://ecs.ui.ac.ir/article_30239_90357fe5569387c8c5eaa5c9ea5e7f0b.pdf