Psychosocial factors associated with athletic performance in children and adolescents: a narrative review

Abstract

Objective: This study seeks to examine how psychosocial factors can affect or enhance athletic performance in children and adolescents (YAAT) through a literature review.

Methodology: This work adopts a narrative review approach. A search was conducted in the APA PsycInfo, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases, as well as on institutional websites. As a result, 38 articles, 2 books, 1 book chapter, and 2 institutional documents published between 2000 and 2026, available in English and Spanish, were included to incorporate both classic postulates and the most recent studies in the field.

Conclusion: It is concluded that YAAT depends not only on physical, technical, and tactical work, but also on psychosocial factors that accompany this group of athletes. These factors can increase or prevent the risk of physical and psychological problems, which ultimately impacts performance and the likelihood of achieving athletic success. Therefore, it is important to promote an optimal environment that takes into account the holistic development of young athletes.