Objective: This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of a combined Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) intervention, the ”Running Minds” program, in promoting physical activity (PA) among young adults. Methods: The intervention, consisting of eight sessions, targeted motivational and psychological barriers to PA. It intertwined SDT’s core components (autonomy, competence, relatedness) with ACT’s emphasis on mindfulness and value-driven actions. This study used a qualitative approach, collecting data through semi-structured interviews with twelve participants aged 20–35, conducted post-intervention. Results: Our reflexive thematic analysis of the interviews revealed five key themes: alignment with personal values, rewarding experience of the sessions, fulfillment of social connectedness, enhancement of both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, and observable behavioral changes. These findings highlight the importance of aligning exercise with personal values and the role of supportive social environments in sustaining PA. Conclusions: The integration of SDT and ACT in the “Running Minds” program appears to be a viable approach for enhancing motivation and adherence to PA among young adults. This study offers valuable insights for future PA interventions, underscoring the need for strategies that consider psychological and social dimensions. Limitations and Future Research: Despite the promising results, limitations include potential recall bias and the short duration of the study. Further research, especially focusing on more diverse groups and employing longitudinal designs, is recommended to broaden and substantiate these findings.

Superstitions are behaviors human beings use to gain a sense of control over certain events in their lives. Thus, sport and its inherent uncertainty provide fertile ground for superstitious behavior. Research on this subject has focused mainly on athletes while examining the behavioral expressions, motivations, and characteristics of fans’ superstitions that have remained marginal; therefore, the present paper aims to address this lacuna by analyzing these behaviors as part of sports fandom and fans’ daily routines. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 24 Israeli football fans of local teams. Key findings illustrate two themes: time dependent acts of superstition; and place. It is argued that superstitious behavior serves fans in two ways. First, making them feel their actions influence the match outcomes and helping their favorite team beyond simply cheering in the stands. Second, reducing the level of uncertainty and subsequent stress level characteristic of being a sports fan. Furthermore, following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic when fans’ access to stadiums was restricted, the results show that the fans’ absence from the stadiums led to a reduction in the quantity and frequency of their superstitious behaviors, pointing to the significance of sporting venues in fan behavior.

Recent technical developments and the widespread use of social networks have led to the emergence of a variety of online communities built around common interests. Among these virtual communities, one notable category revolves around sports fans. This conceptual article uses several examples of online sports fan communities in Israel to analyze their core elements. Within this context, the article focuses on the significance of humor, trivial knowledge, and counter-modern concepts as the key elements fostering unity among fans. Humor serves as a common thread that encourages interactions, also providing a platform for fans to showcase their niche knowledge, symbolizing their dedication to fan culture. Meanwhile, the prevalence of counter-modern inclinations within these communities highlights the fans' constant devotion to the sport, demonstrating a profound loyalty. Collectively, these elements signify a shift from supporting specific teams to becoming keen fans of the broader sporting domain.

This research investigates the impact of varying levels of sports participation on college students’ self-perception and their sense of connection to their educational institution, with a specific focus on an Israeli context. Recognizing the gap in the existing literature regarding the nuanced effects of different degrees of sports engagement, this study aims to offer insights into how sports involvement shapes students’ academic, social, and psychological experiences. Utilizing a qualitative approach, the research involved conducting 26 semi-structured interviews with undergraduate students from a northern Israeli college, encompassing a diverse range of sports participation levels, from occasional involvement to committed varsity athletes. The findings reveal that sports participation significantly enhances students’ perceptions of their academic and social abilities, fosters a sense of belonging to the institution, and cultivates institutional pride, regardless of the level of involvement. Particularly noteworthy is the positive correlation between sports engagement and heightened self-esteem and self-efficacy. This study contributes to the understanding of the broader impacts of sports in higher education, highlighting its role in personal development and institutional affiliation. The research underscores the need for further studies in varied cultural contexts to deepen the understanding of these dynamics. Additionally, the study’s focus on an Israeli sample provides a unique perspective on the role of sports in a culture where collegiate sports are less academically explored. This research serves as a stepping stone for future quantitative investigations to objectively measure and enhance the understanding of the relationship between sports participation and student development in higher education.

Setting objectives and evaluating success are intrinsically linked to motivation in sports and behavior during training and competition. According to social cognitive theory, the perception of success is divided into “task” and ”ego”, which indicate an inner orientation versus an external perspective when analyzing an athlete’s achievements. These impressions can be influenced by various factors such as maturity level, gender, and the type of activity in which they participate. The current study compares perceptions of success among parents and adolescent girls competing in kayaking in Israel. To this end, a qualitative study was conducted with 20 in-depth interviews emphasizing goal setting and individual perceptions of success. The research findings reveal that contrary to previous studies, there is a perceptual gap between the two groups, with parents measuring success primarily in terms of enjoyment and self-fulfillment, and girls referring to perceived success in the context of achievements. It was also found that there is a discrepancy between setting goals and defining success, following experience and interactions within the training. The article discusses the reasons behind these gaps and the potential ramifications for sports activity and participation.