Izvorni znanstveni članak
https://doi.org/10.32903/zs.69.2.1
CAN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY CONTRIBUTE EQUALLY TO THE MENTAL HEALTH OF BOYS AND GIRLS IN EARLY ADOLESCENCE?
Tena Velki
; Fakultet za odgojne i obrazovne znanosti Osijek
Anitnela Miškić
; Fakultet za odgojne i obrazovne znanosti Osijek
Mišel Vitković
; Fakultet za odgojne i obrazovne znanosti Osijek
Sažetak
Numerous studies have unequivocally demonstrated the positive impact of physical activity on mental health. However, few have investigated this relationship in the context of gender differences, despite clear disparities in the prevalence of mental disorders and the frequency of engagement in physical activity between genders. The aim of this research was to examine the association between physical activity and mental health in upper elementary school students, taking into account gender differences in the strength of this correlation. The study included 212 students (52.8% girls and 47.2% boys) from the fifth to eighth grade of elementary school. Participants completed online surveys, including the Child Anxiety Scale (SKAN), Children's Depression Inventory (CDI), Youth Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation Scale (YP-CORE), School Stress Intensity Scale, and the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children (PAQ-C). The results confirm a significant association between the level of physical activity and mental health across the entire student sample, with those who self-reported higher physical activity also exhibiting fewer symptoms of mental disorders. However, significant gender differences were observed. Physical activity, less prevalent in girls, who concurrently experience more mental health issues in early adolescence, proved particularly significant in reducing symptoms of anxiety and overall psychological distress for this group. In contrast, physical activity did not demonstrate a positive impact on the mental health of boys of this age group. Excessive engagement in leisure-time physical activity for boys could even indicate poorer mental health, especially in terms of depressive symptoms and overall psychological distress. It is important to note that the results revealed a high percentage of students with clinically elevated symptoms of anxiety and depression, highlighting the need for additional interventions and support for the mental health of students in this age group. This study provides a foundation for further research and the development of interventions aimed at improving the mental health of students through the promotion of physical activity in the school environment.
Ključne riječi
mental health; early adolescence; physical activity
Hrčak ID:
315261
URI
Datum izdavanja:
14.3.2024.
Posjeta: 103 *