Odgojno-obrazovne teme, Vol. 8 No. 1, 2025.
Izvorni znanstveni članak
https://doi.org/10.53577/oot.8.1.4
The Relationship between Physical Activity, Mental Health, and Self-Esteem in Secondary School Students
Tomislav Gundić
; Kineziološki fakultet, Sveučilište u Zagrebu
Nina Pavlin-Bernardić
; Odsjek za psihologiju, Filozofski fakultet, Sveučilište u Zagrebu
Sažetak
The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between physical activity, mental health, and self-esteem among secondary school students. 342 students participated in the study, and questionnaires were used to assess their physical activity, depression, anxiety, stress, general psychopathological difficulties (functioning, risky behaviour, symptoms, and subjective well-being), and self-esteem. Differences in these variables were analysed concerning the level of physical activity and gender. Based on their level of physical activity, students were divided into three groups: low, moderate, or highly physically active. No statistically significant main effects were found for depression, functioning, and risky behaviour, nor for their interaction. For anxiety, stress, and symptoms of general psychopathological difficulties, girls scored higher than boys. The interaction between gender and physical activity was significant only for subjective well-being, where moderately and highly physically active boys reported higher subjective well-being than both low-active boys and girls in general. For girls, there were no significant differences based on the level of physical activity. Highly physically active participants had higher self-esteem compared to those with low physical activity levels, with no gender differences observed. This study indicates the need for interventions aimed at promoting physical activity among adolescents to improve their mental health.
Ključne riječi
1. physical activity; 2. mental health; 3. self-esteem; 4. adolescence
Hrčak ID:
333826
URI
Datum izdavanja:
16.7.2025.
Posjeta: 954 *