Understanding the conceptual synergy between meaningful physical activity experiences, physical literacy, and human flourishing: a systematic integrative review

Holistic approaches to wellbeing increasingly recognise physical literacy, meaningful physical activity, and human flourishing. However, no review has explicitly examined the conceptual relationships across these three areas. This review aimed to synthesise existing research and theoretical frameworks to clarify how these concepts converge and potentially influence one another. A systematic integrative review was conducted in October 2024 through a literature search of 12 databases, including APA PsycINFO, ERIC, SPORTDiscus, and BMC Public Health. Peer-reviewed English-language studies examining interconnections between physical literacy, meaningful physical activity, and human flourishing were included. A narrative synthesis involving theory development, preliminary synthesis, exploration of relationships within and between studies, and critical appraisal was undertaken. Of 461 articles identified, 25 met inclusion criteria after full-text review (98 articles assessed). Studies were empirical (n = 21) and theoretical/conceptual (n = 4), spanning children (n = 6), adolescents (n = 5), and adults (n = 11). The synthesis identified commonalities across the three concepts, including self-confidence, belonging, positive emotion, connection, purpose, and personal growth. However, the limited evidence examining all three concepts together did not establish the nature, direction, or reciprocity of these relationships. The review proposes a preliminary conceptualisation of how meaningful physical activity experiences, physical literacy, and human flourishing could be interconnected. This conceptualisation should be understood as a proposition rather than evidence of an established reciprocal relationship. Further empirical research is needed to examine whether and how these relationships are reciprocal, directional, non-linear, or context-dependent across diverse populations and settings.