Physical activity,resilience, and depressive symptoms in adolescence

Promoting mental health by facilitation of physical activity and resilience is of great importance in adolescence. This cross-sectional study investigated the association between physical activity and resilience, in relation to depressive symptoms among adolescents. Resilience is based on five factors: personal competence, social competence, structured style (planning, structure, and daily routines), social resources, and family cohesion.Norwegian adolescents 13–18 years old (N = 1100; 51% girls and 49% boys) participated in the study. Girls scored lower in physical activity, and higher in social resources and depressive symptoms than boys, while boys scored higher in personal competence and structured style. For both genders the hierarchical multiple regression analysis showed a negative association between the resilience factors and depressive symptoms. Higher levels of physical activity were associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms for girls. There was no significant association between physical activity and depressive symptoms among boys. There was, however, an interaction effect for boys indicating that the association between structured style, and depressive symptoms depends on the frequency of physical activity.Acknowledging the association between physical activity, resilience, and the outcome of depressive symptoms may be important in developing health promotion programs for young people, especially girls.     

The role of physical activity enjoyment on the acute mood experience of exercise among smokers with elevated depressive symptoms

ProblemDepressive symptoms are consistently shown to be related to poor smoking cessation outcomes. Aerobic exercise is a potential treatment augmentation that, given its antidepressant and mood enhancing effect, may bolster cessation outcomes for smokers with elevated depressive symptoms. Lower enjoyment of physical activity may inhibit the acute mood enhancing effects of aerobic exercise. The current study investigated the associations between depressive symptoms, physical activity enjoyment and the acute mood experience from exercise among low-active smokers with elevated depressive symptoms.MethodDaily smokers with elevated depressive symptoms (N = 159; M_age = 45.1, SD = 10.79; 69.8% female) were recruited for a randomized controlled exercise-based smoking cessation trial. Participants self-reported levels of depressive symptoms, physical activity enjoyment, and rated their mood experience (assessed as “mood” and “anxiety”) before and after a standardized aerobic exercise test.ResultsHierarchical regression analysis revealed that depressive symptom severity accounted for significant unique variance in physical activity enjoyment (R² = 0.041, t = −2.61, p = 0.010), beyond the non-significant effects of gender and level of tobacco dependence. Additionally, physical activity enjoyment was a significant mediator of the association between depressive symptom severity and acute mood experience (“mood” and “anxiety”) following the exercise test.ConclusionsPhysical activity enjoyment may explain, at least in part, how depressive symptom severity is linked to the acute mood experience following a bout of activity. Interventions that target increasing physical activity enjoyment may ultimately assist in enhancing the mood experience from exercise, and therefore improve smoking cessation likelihood, especially for smokers with elevated depressive symptoms.     

Interpersonal influences on late adolescent girls' and boys' disordered eating

Perceived socio-cultural pressure to be thin has an important impact on disordered eating during early and middle adolescence, but less is known about late adolescence. Most prospective studies included only girls, and less is known about the influence on boys. This study investigated interpersonal influences on changes in late adolescent boys' and girls' symptoms of disordered eating over one year. Participants were a community sample of late adolescents 16–19 years of age (N = 199; 49.75% girls), their mothers, and friends. Structural equation modeling revealed that interpersonal pressure to be thin and criticism about appearance predicted increases in disordered eating over time. Late adolescents', mothers' and friends' reports of pressure were associated with disordered eating at Time 1 and Time 2. Further, adolescents' perceptions and friends' reports of pressure to be thin predicted changes in disordered eating over time. Findings underscore the significance of interpersonal relationships for disordered eating during late adolescence in both girls and boys.     

Reciprocal associations between physical activity,physical self-concept,somatic symptoms,and depression from adolescence to young adulthood: Disaggregating within- and between-person effects

The mechanisms by which physical activity may influence depressive symptoms, and vice versa, during adolescence are not well understood. The present study examined the longitudinal, reciprocal within-person associations between physical activity and depressive symptoms among a community-based sample of adolescents who were followed into young adulthood, while also estimating between-person effects and exploring physical self-concept and somatic symptoms as potential mediators. Data were from the Victoria Healthy Youth Survey (V-HYS), which followed adolescents (W1; N = 662; ages 12–18) biannually for ten years into young adulthood (W6; n = 478; ages 22–29). Random-intercept cross-lagged panel models were specified to understand the within- and between-person associations between physical activity and depressive symptoms, as well as potential mediation by physical self-concept and somatic symptoms. Results showed anticipated between-person associations between physical activity, physical self-concept, somatic symptoms, and depressive symptoms. Although within-person increases in depressive symptoms predicted decreases in physical activity two years later, within-person deviations in physical activity did not significantly predict subsequent changes in depressive symptoms. Within-person cross-lagged associations between physical self-concept and depressive symptoms, as well as somatic symptoms and depressive symptoms, were significant and bidirectional in nature. Results are consistent with past research demonstrating the potential long-term and enduring health risks of depressive symptoms. Future research that uses a shorter timeframe between assessments (e.g., days or weeks) may further clarify the link between physical activity and depression, including potential mechanisms that explain why this association unfolds.     

The association between past and current physical activity and depressive symptoms in young adults: a 10-year prospective study

PurposeThe objectives of this study were to assess (1) the longitudinal associations of past moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and involvement in team sports during secondary school with depressive symptoms in early adulthood, and (2) the cross-sectional associations of current MVPA and involvement in team sports with depressive symptoms during young adulthood.MethodsData were drawn from the Nicotine Dependence in Teens study, which is an ongoing prospective cohort study of 1293 adolescents aged 12–13 years at baseline (52% female). Data analyses involved latent growth curve modeling and multiple hierarchical linear regression models.ResultsCurrent MVPA (β = ?0.12), but not past MVPA, participation was significantly negatively related to depressive symptoms during young adulthood (P < .05). Both current and past involvement in team sports were significantly negatively related to depressive symptoms (β ≥ ?0.09; P < .05); however, these associations were no longer significant (P = .08) when covariates were controlled for.ConclusionsFindings provide insight about the unique associations between the timing and type of physical activity and depressive symptoms, suggesting that physical activity within team sport contexts should be encouraged so that young adults may experience less depressive symptoms.     

Associations between sedentary behavior and self-esteem in adolescent girls from schools in low-income communities

BackgroundExcessive time spent in sedentary behavior is associated with a range of physiological, psychosocial and behavioral health concerns in youth.ObjectiveThe primary aim of this study was to examine the association between sedentary behavior and self-esteem among adolescent girls living in low-income communities.MethodsParticipants were 357 girls [mean age (standard deviation) = 13.2 (0.5) years] from 12 secondary schools located in low-income communities in New South Wales, Australia. Height, weight, body fat (bio-electrical impedance analysis) and physical activity (accelerometers), self-esteem were assessed.ResultsSignificant inverse associations were found between self-esteem and time spent watching DVDs and using the computer for non-school purposes, but no relationship was found between TV viewing and self-esteem. The relationship between sedentary time (%) from accelerometers and self-esteem was not significant.ConclusionsSedentary behavior is a pervasive public health concern and time spent in specific screen-based recreation was associated with self-esteem in adolescent girls living in low-income communities. Our findings are indicative of the complex nature of these relationships and reveal a need for further longitudinal and intervention-based research in the field.     

Depressive Symptoms in Adolescence: A Poor Indicator of Increases in Body Mass Index

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to examine the association between depressive symptoms and subsequent body mass index (BMI) z scores among early-to-mid adolescents, extending previous research by using objectively measured weight and height data.MethodsLatent growth curve analysis was used to examine whether growth parameters of zBMI could be predicted by depressive symptoms (n = 2,051 adolescents, 48.5% female, at baseline; 1,465 with data at all three time points). Specifically, we tested whether depressive symptoms were associated with the initial assessment of BMI (intercept) as well as with changes in BMI over time (slope). Analyses were performed for the total group, and separately for boys and girls.ResultsDepressive symptoms were not associated with the slope of zBMI. In girls, but not boys, depressive symptoms were positively associated with the intercept of zBMI.ConclusionsFindings suggest that although depressive symptoms among females are associated with a higher zBMI, they do not predict excessive weight gain during early-to-mid adolescence.     

Compounded Effect of Early Adolescence Depressive Symptoms and Impulsivity on Late Adolescence Gambling: A Longitudinal Study

PurposeDepression and impulsivity have been positively correlated to problem gambling, but no study has focused on their combined effects on the onset of problem gambling. This study examined the possible synergistic effect of depressive symptoms and impulsivity in early adolescence on late adolescence gambling behaviors among a longitudinal cohort of 678 students from Baltimore, Maryland.MethodsThe South Oaks Gambling Screen-Revised for Adolescents, Teacher Observation of Classroom Adaptation-Revised, and Baltimore How I Feel-Adolescent Version, were used to assess late adolescence gambling behaviors, early adolescence impulsivity, and depressive symptoms, respectively. Data analyses were conducted using analysis of variance and binary logistic regression models.ResultsProblem gamblers (PGs) were 12% of the sample (includes at-risk and PGs), 87.5% of whom were males and 12.5% were females (p < .001). Among males, there appeared to be a slight association between early adolescence depressive symptoms and late adolescence problem gambling. Compared with nongamblers and social gamblers, depressive symptoms increased the odds of problem gambling by four-fold (PGs vs. nongamblers: OR = 4.1, 95% CI = .73–22.47, p = .11; PGs vs. social gamblers: OR = 3.9, 95% CI = .78–19.31, p = .10). Among those with high depressive symptoms, increases in impulsivity decreased the odds of problem gambling while among those with high impulsivity, increases in depressive symptoms decreased the odds of problem gambling.ConclusionsEarly adolescence depressive symptoms appear to be more positively associated with late adolescence problem gambling than early adolescence impulsivity, there seems to be a divisive interaction between depressive symptoms and impulsivity on problem gambling.     

Developmental trends of eating disorder symptoms and comorbid internalizing symptoms in children and adolescents

ObjectiveTo determine when gender differences in disordered eating symptoms emerge, when correlations between disordered eating and internalizing symptoms develop, and whether the relationship between internalizing and disordered eating symptoms varies based on age and/or gender.MethodWe used questionnaire data from a community sample (N = 424) of third, sixth, and ninth grade girls and boys.ResultsGender differences in eating pathology emerge between 12 and 15 years. The relationship between anxiety symptoms and eating pathology among both genders is weak and remains constant between the third and ninth grades. The relationship between depressive symptoms and eating pathology increases between the third and sixth grades for boys, and the sixth and ninth grades for girls.ConclusionBefore age 12, prevention programs for eating disorders should be given to both genders, whereas after age 12, they should target girls. Further, providers should offer intervention for comorbid depressive symptoms by third grade for boys and sixth grade for girls.     

Obesity,Body Dissatisfaction,and Emotional Well-Being in Early and Late Adolescence: Findings From the Project EAT Study

PurposeWe tested the hypothesis that, at two different stages of adolescence, impairment in emotional well-being associated with obesity is mediated by body dissatisfaction (BD).MethodsSelf-reported measures of BD, emotional well-being (self-esteem, depressive mood), height and weight, and socio-demographic information were completed by the same female (n = 366) and male (n = 440) participants during early (mean age = 12.8 years) and late (17.3 years) adolescence. For each measure and at each time point, the hypothesis of mediation was tested using the methods suggested by Baron and Kenny (1986).ResultsThe conditions of complete mediation were satisfied in all the six cases for which an effect of obesity on emotional well-being was observed. That is, in each of these cases, obesity was no longer associated with lower self-esteem or with higher depressive mood after the effects of BD were statistically controlled. Among females, there was no association between obesity and depressive mood at either time point.ConclusionImpairment in the emotional well-being of overweight adolescents, where this is observed, may be primarily due to the effects of weight-related BD. This appears to be the case for both boys and girls and during both early and late adolescence. The findings are consistent with the view that BD is central to the health and well-being of children and adolescents who are overweight and that distress associated with negative body image may warrant greater attention in the context of obesity prevention and treatment programs.     

Inicio de relaciones sexuales con penetración y factores asociados en chicos y chicas de México de 14-19 años de edad con escolarización en centros públicos

ObjectiveTo estimate the mean age of sexual intercourse debut (SID) and associated family and individual factors in 14-19-year-olds of both sexes in the 32 states of Mexico in 2007.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted of a representative sample of 9,893 students aged between 14 and 19 years old. The data were collected through a self-administered, anonymous and voluntary questionnaire. Logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) by category: no SID, SID at 10-15 years and SID at 16-19 years.ResultsThe national mean age of SID was 16 years, being 15 years for boys (95%CI: 15.88-16.11) and 16 years for girls (95%CI: 15.26-15.42). Factors associated with SID in boys were disadvantaged socioeconomic level (OR = 0.66; 95%CI: 0.46-0.94), living with parents (OR = 0.65; 95%CI: 0.56-0.75), less offensive communication between parents and boys/girls (OR = 0.66; 95%CI: 0.57-0.77), and high social self-esteem (OR = 1.68; 95%CI: 1.35-1.77). Factors associated with SID in girls were traditional gender beliefs (OR = 0.49; 95%CI: 0.32-0.74), high depressive symptoms (OR = 1.88; 95%CI: 1.19-2.99), and high family self-esteem (OR= 0.50; 95%CI: 0.38-0.65).ConclusionsIn Mexico, SID occurred early in boys. In addition, the findings of this study show that in Mexico, the age of SID and associated factors differ in boys and girls. The age of SID is strongly influenced by gender and cultural beliefs.     

Gender Comparisons of Unhealthy Weight-control Behaviors Among Sixth-Graders

ObjectiveTo examine gender differences in unhealthy weight-control behaviors (UWCB) and identify key psychosocial and demographic correlates of UWCB among sixth-graders.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was completed by 146 boys and 153 girls at a middle school. Secondary data analyses included bivariate tests and multivariable logistic regression.ResultsForty-seven percent of participants reported 1 or more UWCB, with no differences by gender (P = .75). Factors common to boys and girls included: lower global self-esteem; lower body-esteem; and greater negative parental modeling among participants who engaged in UWCB compared to those who did not. However, multivariable models revealed gender differences. Among boys, body mass index, negative parental modeling, and global self-esteem retained statistically significant associations with UWCB after controlling for other variables in the model, whereas race and weight-related body-esteem remained significant for girls.Conclusions and ImplicationsThis research highlights the need for gender-specific UWCB prevention programs implemented in late childhood and early adolescence.     

On campus physical activity programming for post-secondary student mental health: Examining effectiveness and acceptability

AimProviding effective support for students with mental health concerns is a priority on post-secondary campuses. Recreational programming including physical activity is an evidence-informed approach that can be used to support mental health and well-being. Yet, limited research has examined effective and acceptable strategies for using campus-based physical activity programs to support the mental health of post-secondary students. Using a mixed-methods approach, the current study addressed the acceptability and effectiveness of a physical activity program for student mental health.MethodsIn collaboration with on-campus mental health services, a 6-week one-on-one and individualized physical activity program tailored towards students seeking mental health support was implemented. A pretest-posttest design was used to test the effectiveness of the program and participants (N = 68; M_age = 22.96 years, SD = 3.42; 82% female) completed self-report questionnaires to assess changes in symptoms of psychological distress, depression, and anxiety. Semi-structured interviews (N = 11) with program participants were conducted to explore the acceptability of the program and were analyzed using thematic analysis.ResultsPaired samples t-tests demonstrated a significant reduction in anxiety symptoms, depression symptoms, and psychological distress pre-post program (ps < .05). The generated themes suggested that the program is an acceptable and effective holistic approach for improving mental health among students.ConclusionsThe results provide implications for implementing on-campus physical activity programs as a mental health and well-being intervention. Implications for further understanding principle program design and delivery strategies are discussed.     

Depressive symptoms associated with psychological correlates of physical activity and perceived helpfulness of intervention features

The anti-depressive benefits of physical activity are well-evidenced; however little is known about whether people with more frequent depressive symptoms have different psychological correlates of physical activity than people with less frequent symptoms, or whether special consideration is needed in targeting web-based physical activity interventions toward people with frequent depressive symptoms. An online cross-sectional survey was used to collect data from 511 adults (age = 45.99 ± 14.73 years). Two multiple regression analyses were conducted to test the relationship between frequency of depressive symptoms and (1) psychological correlates of physical activity (i.e., intentions, perceived behavioral control, affective attitudes, instrumental attitudes, and perceived physical activity effectiveness), and (2) perceived helpfulness of a variety of web-based physical activity intervention features. People with more frequent depressive symptoms had lower perceived behavioral control of physical activity (β = −0.19), were more likely to report that goal-setting intervention tools (β = 0.10) and personally-relevant information (β = 0.09) would be helpful, and were less likely to report intervention features portraying information about how similar people are being regularly active as helpful (β = −0.10) than those with less frequent symptoms. These findings highlight key components for designing web-based physical activity intervention content for people with depressive symptoms.     

An examination of the reciprocal associations between physical activity and anxiety,depressive symptoms,and sleep quality during the first 9 weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic in Belgium

During the initial outbreak of the global COVID-19 pandemic, many countries imposed a total lockdown (containment at home). Although it was still allowed in Belgium to be physically active or exercise with people from your household in the vicinity of your home, engaging in sports or physical activity in a group or club context was no longer permitted. To examine whether a lack of physical activity was potentially threatening to the mental well-being of citizens and vice versa, the present study examined concurrent and reciprocal relationships between physical activity and anxiety, depressive symptoms, and sleep quality during the COVID-19 lockdown in a 9-week longitudinal design. In a sample of 983 Belgian adults (75.1% female; M_age = 43.78, range = 18–82 years), we explored these relationships at both the between- and within-person levels through random intercept cross-lagged panel models. The findings indicate that more physical activity was associated with lower symptoms of anxiety and depression and better sleep quality, a finding observed both at the between-person (across weeks; β_anxiety = −0.25, β_depression = −0.30, β_{sleep quality} = 0.24, p < .001) and within-person level (within weeks; β_anxiety = −0.10, β_depression = −0.14, β_{sleep quality} = 0.11, p < .05). Moreover, at the within-person level, an increase in feelings of anxiety and depression at one moment predicted lower levels of physical activity one week later (β_anxiety = −0.04, β_depression = −0.06, p < .05). Since poor mental health poses a threat to the maintenance of physical activity, the current findings suggest that it is critical to invest in the mental health of individuals during distressing times.     

Spirituality and Depressive Symptoms in a School-Based Sample of Adolescents: A Longitudinal Examination of Mediated and Moderated Effects

PurposeTo prospectively examine whether personal agency beliefs and direct coping mediate the association between spirituality and depressive symptoms in a school-based sample of adolescents, and whether gender, race, or grade level moderate this model.MethodStudents (N = 1096) from sixth through ninth grades in a northeastern public school system were administered self-report instruments in group format at baseline, 6-month follow-up, and 1-year follow-up. Demographic variables and constructs of spirituality, personal agency, direct coping, and depressive symptoms were assessed.ResultsStructural equation modeling was used to examine the longitudinal associations among the constructs while controlling for socioeconomic status and baseline depressive symptoms. For the total sample, the model predicted 21% of the variance in depressive symptoms over 1 year. The model was moderated by gender but not by race or grade level. The model explained 28% of the variance in depressive symptoms for girls and 16% of the variance in depressive symptoms for boys. Moreover, there was an indirect effect of spirituality on depressive symptoms for girls but not for boys.ConclusionThese results suggest mechanisms by which spirituality may maintain lower levels of depressive symptoms among adolescent girls during periods of transition to middle and high school.     

Adiposity Adversely Influences Quality of Life Among Adolescents

ObjectiveWe aimed to investigate the cross-sectional and longitudinal relationship between body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, percent body fat (%BF), and weight status (overweight/obese) with health-related quality of life (QOL) in adolescents.MethodsOf 2,353 children (median age 12.7 years) examined, 1,213 (51.7%) with complete data were resurveyed 5 years later, and an additional 475 adolescents were newly recruited. Weight, height, waist circumference, %BF, and body mass index were obtained and defined using standardized protocols. QOL was assessed using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL).ResultsIn cross-sectional analyses, obese boys differed significantly from normal weight boys in the PedsQL physical summary only (multivariable-adjusted p = .005). Boys with the highest %BF (≥95th percentile) compared to their peers in the 6th to 94th percentiles had a significantly lower total PedsQL score (7.7-unit difference, p = .0003), and had adjusted mean scores: 7.92, 7.54, 7.35, 6.51, and 8.56 units lower in the physical summary (p = .0003), psychosocial summary (p = .004), emotional (p = .03), social (p = .02), and school (p = .04) domains, respectively. Nonsignificant cross-sectional associations were observed in girls. Adolescents who remained obese (n = 41) compared to those who were non-overweight/obese (n = 704) over the study period, had lower PedsQL physical summary score 5 years later: 85.6 versus 90.5 (p = .03). Conversely, individuals who were overweight/obese at baseline but who became non-overweight/obese at follow-up (n = 92), had significantly higher physical summary scores than those who remained obese 5 years later (n = 41), 91.4 versus 85.6 (p = .03).ConclusionAdiposity in adolescent boys, but not girls, was associated with poorer QOL.     

Coping With Stress Through Texting: An Experimental Study

PurposeTexting is used by many adolescents and has the potential to improve well-being, as youth can reach out for support immediately after experiencing a stressful situation. Many studies have examined whether texting is associated with well-being, but few have used experimental designs, preventing causal claims.MethodsIn this experimental study, 130 adolescents (M_age = 12.41) participated with a same-gender friend whom they texted regularly. Both adolescents completed a task that elicited stress and then engaged in one of the following randomly assigned activities: texting their friend, watching a video on a cellphone (passive-phone condition), or sitting quietly (no activity condition). Participants reported their mood and stress levels after the stress task and again after the activity. Heart rate variability was measured throughout.ResultsParticipants who texted their friend reported higher moods (b = ?.80, standard error [SE] = .24, p < .001, η_p² = .09) and lower stress at the end of the study than those in the no activity condition (b = .51, SE = .25, p = .046, η_p² = .04) and higher moods than adolescents in the passive-phone condition (b = ?.74, SE = .25, p = .004, η_p² = .08). No differences were noted between the passive-phone and no activity conditions. There were no differences in heart rate variability between the three conditions. The effects of texting on mood, self-reported stress, and heart rate variability did not differ by gender.ConclusionsBoth boys and girls may benefit from texting a friend after experiencing a stressful event.     

Associations between physical activity and mental health and behaviour in early adolescence

BackgroundWe examined associations between objectively-measured physical activity, depressive-symptoms, and emotional and behavioural difficulties in adolescents from a UK cohort.MethodData from 4755 participants (45% male) from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) with physical activity assessed by accelerometry at age 11 was analysed. Indication of depressive symptoms (Short Moods and Feelings questionnaire) were obtained from parental reports at age 11 and self-reports at age 13. Behavioural and emotional problems were assessed by parents and teachers at age 11 and 13 using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ).ResultsAt age 11, males averaged 29 minutes (SD = 17) of daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) compared with 18 minutes (SD = 12) among females. Higher MVPA at age 11 was associated with decreased depressive-symptoms in females at age 11 after adjusting for confounders. Among males, a positive change in MVPA between the ages of 11 and 13 was associated with a reduction in depressive symptoms. Negative associations were also found between MVPA at age 11 and the emotional symptoms scale of the SDQ at age 11 and age 13 in females. Higher MVPA predicted a decreased score on the hyperactivity subscale of the SDQ at 11 and 13 for both sexes. All effect sizes were small.ConclusionsHigher MVPA was associated with reduced depressive symptoms, behavioural and emotional-difficulties in early adolescence, however the magnitude of effects was small. Efforts to support MVPA in this age group are therefore warranted.