Critically evaluating the risks and benefits for mood and cognition in young people of participating in team sports.

The benefits for young people of participating in team sports on mood
and cognition are well established. In recent years, however, evidence
has emerged of short- and long- term risks of sports-related
concussions (and sub-concussive head injuries) on the developing
brain.
In this essay, please:
1. review evidence for the benefits on mood and cognition of
participating in team sports for young people
2. review evidence of the short- and long- term risks of sportsrelated concussions on the developing brain and the
implications for mood and cognition
3. Provide a critical evaluation of the papers you have reviewed
4. Provide some evidence-based strategies that parents, teachers,
and coaches could use to maximize benefits and minimize risks
for young people of participating in team sports

First two references that must be used in the essay:

Authors: Clacy, A., Hermens, D. F., Broadhouse, K., & Lagopoulos, J.
Title: Concussion risk and suicide prevention: balancing the risks and
benefits of youth sport.
Publication Details: Medical Journal of Australia, 2019, Vol. 211(6), pp.
247-249.
Authors: Narayana, S., Charles, C., Collins, K., Tsao, J. W., Stanfill, A. G.,
& Baughman, B.
Title: Neuroimaging and neuropsychological studies in sports-related
concussions in adolescents: current state and future directions
Publication Details: Frontiers in neurology, 2019. Vol. 10

Write an essay that reviews the research literature on the risks and
benefits for mood and cognition in young people of participating in
team sports. Specifically, focus on providing critical evaluation of the
studies you review and evidence-based strategies for balancing the
risks and benefits.
You will need to refer to at least four articles in your essay – the two
Starting References plus at least two you find independently.

Introduction
The introductory paragraph should broadly outline the topic, explain
why it is an important issue, and provide some guidance as to what
you will discuss and/or argue in the essay.
Body
The body of the essay should define key concepts, as well as describe
and evaluate the research literature that is relevant to the topic. You
will need to organise the research literature into a logical narrative that
helps you to present your perspective on the topic in a coherent
Brain & Behaviour – PSY10007 S1 2020 – Assignment 1 Information Sheet
Swinburne University of Technology 5
manner. Some questions to help guide you (not presented in order of
importance):
 Is there evidence of benefits to mood and cognition in young
people of participating in team sports? If so, is the evidence
reliable and of good quality?
 What are the short- and long- term consequences of sports-related head injuries for young people?
 What are some strategies that could be used to maximize the
benefits and minimize the risks?
Conclusion
The concluding paragraph is an integrated summary of your major
points and a final statement of your understanding of what the
research literature has to say on this topic. You should not introduce
new material in the conclusion.
Reference List
The Reference list should include all of the research literature you
have cited in your essay (and none that you have not), listed in
alphabetical order by first author’s surname, and presented in correct
APA style. Either 6th or 7th Edition are acceptable formats, but one must
be used consistently.