A proposal for the integration of the sustainable development goals in the teaching of psychology of physical activity and sport

Abstract

According to the United Nations (2023), we must developsustainably today if we want a better tomorrow, by meeting present needs without compromising the chances of future generations to meet their needs. A total of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were adopted by all UN member states in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which set out a 15-year plan to achieve these goals. They constitute a universal plan of action to end poverty, protect the planet, and improve the lives and prospects of everyone, everywhere. For this reason, citizens must acquire the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values necessary to address sustainable development challenges. Education therefore plays a key role in this endeavour. In response to the challenges of sustainable development, many universities across the world have embedded SDGs into their visions, strategies, management,and plans (Xue, 2022). University teachers, irrespective of their discipline, are educating future change agents who will shape society, the environment, and the economy in the years to come. Education should not only aim for academic success but should also teach students how to become good citizens who contribute to the successful implementation of the UN SDGs (Klaperski-van der Wal, 2022). In particular, education for sustainable development empowers learners to make informed decisions and take individual and collective action to change society and care for the planet, and as such is an essential part of students’ education and empowerment (UNESCO, 2023). This study focuses on the subject of Psychology of Physical Activity and Sport, taught in the Bachelor’s degree in Physical Activity and Sport Sciences. This subject deals with the study of people and their behaviour in the social context of sport and physical activity, which involves understanding how basic psychological factors and processes affect the physical performance of individuals as well as how participation in individual or team sport and physical activity affects their physical performance, development, health and psychosocial well-being. The aim of this study is to raise students’ knowledge and awareness of the challenges of sustainable development by integrating SDGs in this subject, so they might apply this learning to their future professional careers, regardless of the sphere of physical activity in which they work. Our proposal includes specific activities addressed to SDG 3 (Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being) and SDG 5 (Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls). We expect to improve students’ knowledge about these SDGs, and so induce positive changes in proenvironmental values, attitudes, and behaviours to build an inclusive and sustainable world for people and the planet.