Perspectives on sport and sustainability values among Spanish and Guatemalan youth

Abstract

The research analysed students' perceptions of sport values and attitudes towards sustainability, aiming to identify possible value variations by age and sex and determine how groups apply and value these principles. The study included a representative sample of 833 youths aged 12-20 from Spain and Guatemala, with a mean age of 15.79 +/- 1.91. An online questionnaire assessed the practice and importance of sports and sustainability values, revealing significant differences based on male or female sex. Both sexes showed similar significance in self-realization across all age groups. Age significantly impacted competitiveness and cooperation practices. Older youths tended to practice and value competitiveness, cooperation, and self-realization more than younger ones, though they led less healthy lifestyles but were more committed to combating climate change. Females generally reported higher levels of practice and importance in sustainability factors than males. Older age groups reported higher levels of sustainability practices, but the importance placed on these factors remained consistent across age groups, reflecting a shared value system despite practice differences.