A recent study led by Nick Holt of the University of Alberta suggests that team sports can help girls learn positive conflict resolution skills. When girls join a team, they are likely to be placed in situations where conflict resolution is needed. This study of girls soccer teams suggest that girls can and do step up to the challenge.
Mr. Holt believes the study findings are most important for coaches and parents of young athletes, and he advises parents and coaches to encourage girls to face conflict and deal with problems head on.
"It's not about being afraid of conflict and just keeping everyone happy all the time; it's about encouraging the girls to deal with conflicts when they arise because those are growth experiences. Those things will transfer outside of sport, because that's what you've got to do when you start working."
Read a concise summary of the research at PhysOrg.com.