Go-Karting and The Value of Self-Reliance

Dr Josep Vilanova, LMS, MRCPsych, Consultant Psychiatrist (From Rainbow Medical)

These days, more and more people are worried about the mental health of children. Academic expectations, peer relationships, and family troubles are just a few of the many things that can put kids at risk for developing mental health issues. If you have looked for professional help but you still wonder whether there is anything else that can be done, there is another path worth exploring—participating in activities that encourage self-reliance and positive competitiveness. This blog will explore the advantages of these types of hobbies, with Go-Karting as an example.

The Value of Self-Reliance

Research has shown that self-sufficiency is closely linked to psychological well-being. A study published in the "Journal of Personality and Social Psychology" (Prenda & Lachman, 2001) found that individuals who had a strong sense of self-sufficiency reported higher levels of life satisfaction and lower levels of depression.

Self-sufficiency also empowers individuals to take control of their lives and make independent decisions. An article in "Psychology Today" by Susan Krauss Whitbourne, Ph.D., emphasizes the importance of self-sufficiency in fostering a sense of agency and self-efficacy, which can lead to greater life. satisfaction.

But there is something else that is important here. It’s that old concept of ‘self-reliance’ (some of you may be familiar with the famous essay by Ralph Waldo Emerson with that name, and if you are not, seek it out, it’s good). An essential part of a child's growth is eventually managing to become self-reliant. It encourages independence, away from the always vigilant parents. Self-reliance is also the ability to make one's own decisions (obviously, between reason!). Opportunities for independence can be especially powerful for children with mental health issues, who may experience overwhelming feelings in many social or academic contexts. Being independent in one of those fast Karts is going to help your kid develop that self-reliance and, if the kid is lucky and likes what they are doing, maybe unearth some hidden driving talents.

The Role of Parents

Participating in activities like those creates opportunities for shared experiences and memories between parents and children. Children remember them when they get older (ideally, they should have plenty of activities that feel positive, for both children and parents). These shared activities provide common ground for parents and children to connect, reminisce about, and bond over. According to research published in the "Journal of Leisure Research" (Orthner, et al., 2004), shared leisure activities contribute significantly to positive parent-child relationships. There is then the issue of communication. Most of the parents I know complain bitterly about the difficulty in communicating with their mobile phone screen-bound children.

Engaging in open-air, mobile-free activities is going to lead to more open and meaningful communication between parents and children. During and after such activities, parents and children can discuss their experiences, share insights, and offer support and encouragement. 

The parents are going to spend valuable quality one-on-one time with their children. Quality time is associated with increased emotional closeness and attachment between parents and children, as suggested by research in the "Journal of Marriage and Family" (Larson, et al., 1996).

Hopefully, all this information is enough to convince you to give Go-Karting (or any other outdoors, competitive, independence-boosting, self-reliance promoting) activity a proper go.