The Impact of School-Based Physical Activities on Adolescents' Mental Wellbeing

Thesis Abstract

The prevalence of mental health challenges among adolescents has become a significant concern within academic and public health sectors, prompting a need to explore preventive and promotive strategies that can be integrated into school settings. This study investigates the impact of school-based physical activities on adolescents' mental wellbeing, aiming to determine the extent to which participation in structured physical activities correlates with indicators of mental health such as anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and overall psychological resilience. Specifically, the research seeks to (1) assess levels of mental wellbeing among adolescents engaged in regular physical activities, (2) identify the types of physical activities that most significantly influence mental health outcomes, and (3) explore potential mediating factors such as peer interaction and physical self-efficacy. The research adopts a cross-sectional quantitative design, employing a correlational approach to elucidate relationships between physical activity participation and mental wellbeing. The study population comprises 600 adolescents aged 13 to 18 years from five secondary schools within a metropolitan educational district. A stratified random sampling technique ensures representative inclusion across different socio-economic backgrounds and gender categories. Data collection instruments include the Youth Self-Report Questionnaire (YSRQ) for mental health assessment, the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents (PAQ-A) to gauge activity levels, and a self-developed demographic and activity participation survey. The instruments' validity and reliability are established through pilot testing and Cronbach’s alpha coefficients exceeding 0.80. Data analysis involves descriptive statistics to profile participant characteristics, followed by inferential statistical techniques such as multiple regression analysis to examine the predictive power of physical activity on mental health indicators. Structural equation modeling (SEM) is employed to test hypothesized mediating relationships involving peer support and physical self-efficacy, rooted in the Social Cognitive Theory and the Biopsychosocial Model of Health. The data is analyzed with SPSS and AMOS software, with significance thresholds set at p < 0.05. Expected findings suggest that higher engagement in school-based physical activities is positively associated with improved mental wellbeing, characterized by reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression and enhanced self-esteem. Particular types of activities, such as team sports versus individual fitness exercises, may differentially influence mental health outcomes. The mediating roles of peer interactions and physical self-efficacy are anticipated to partially explain these relationships, underscoring the importance of social and psychological factors in physical activity benefits. This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by providing empirical evidence on the specific influence of school-based physical activities on adolescent mental health, highlighting the significance of integrating diverse physical exercise programs into school curricula as a mental health promotion strategy. It additionally extends theoretical frameworks by empirically testing the mediating effects proposed in Social Cognitive Theory within a school context. The insights derived are intended to inform policymakers, educators, and mental health practitioners about the potential of physical activity interventions to foster adolescent psychological resilience and overall wellbeing. The main conclusion emphasizes that structured physical activities are vital components in adolescent mental health promotion, advocating for the expansion and diversification of physical education programs across schools. Recommendations include implementing tailored physical activity programs that prioritize inclusivity, fostering peer-supportive environments, and incorporating mental health education within physical activity curricula. Future research is suggested to employ longitudinal designs to establish causality and explore the long-term effects of physical activity engagement on adolescent mental health trajectories.