What is the effects of physical activity on mental health and well-being in children and adolescents
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Effects of Physical Activity on Mental Health and Well-Being in Children and Adolescents
Introduction
Physical activity is widely recognized for its physical health benefits, but its impact on mental health and well-being in children and adolescents is equally significant. This article synthesizes recent research findings on how physical activity influences mental health outcomes such as depression, anxiety, self-esteem, and overall psychological well-being in young people.
Physical Activity and Mental Health Outcomes
Depression and Anxiety
Several studies have demonstrated that physical activity can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety in children and adolescents. A systematic review and meta-analysis found that physical activity interventions had a small but significant effect on reducing depression and anxiety in young people, particularly adolescents . Another review highlighted that while intervention effects for depression are moderate, observational data show only small or null associations, indicating a need for more robust research designs.
Self-Esteem and Cognitive Functioning
Physical activity has also been linked to improvements in self-esteem and cognitive functioning. Research indicates that higher levels of physical activity are associated with better cognitive health and performance, although the effect sizes are generally small and inconsistent . However, there is no strong evidence to support a causal relationship between physical activity and self-esteem, suggesting that the field is complex and requires further investigation.
Psychological Well-Being
Physical activity is positively associated with various aspects of psychological well-being, including self-image, satisfaction with life, and overall happiness. Studies have shown that promoting physical activity and reducing sedentary behavior can protect mental health in children and adolescents . School-related physical activity interventions, in particular, have been found to improve resilience, well-being, and positive mental health while reducing anxiety.
Sedentary Behavior and Mental Health
In contrast to physical activity, sedentary behavior is generally associated with poorer mental health outcomes. Increased sedentary behavior, such as excessive screen time, is linked to higher levels of depression and lower levels of life satisfaction and happiness in children and adolescents . Meeting recommendations for low levels of sedentary behavior and sufficient sleep, in combination with physical activity, is associated with better mental health indicators.
Special Populations
Children with Intellectual Disabilities
For children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities, physical activity has been shown to improve behavior, emotional problems, mental health, and psychosocial well-being. However, the generalizability of these findings is limited due to the high risk of bias in many studies, indicating a need for more robust randomized controlled trials.
Preterm and Term Born Adolescents
Research comparing very preterm and term-born adolescents found that higher levels of physical activity were associated with lower levels of peer problems and higher levels of psychological well-being, self-perception, and school-related well-being. These associations did not significantly differ between preterm and term-born adolescents, suggesting that physical activity benefits both groups similarly.
Conclusion
The evidence suggests that physical activity has a beneficial impact on the mental health and well-being of children and adolescents. It can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, improve cognitive functioning, and enhance overall psychological well-being. However, the quality of research varies, and more robust studies are needed to confirm these effects, particularly in younger children and special populations. Reducing sedentary behavior and promoting physical activity should be integral components of strategies aimed at improving mental health in young people.
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