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Associations between screen-time, physical activity and depressive symptoms differ based on gender and screen-time
Chloe Forte1,2, Darragh O'Sullivan3,4, Cillian P McDowell5
1Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland. chloe.forte@ul.ie.
European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
|September 12, 2022
Summary
Higher screen time, particularly phone use, is linked to increased depressive symptoms in adolescents. Physical activity shows a protective effect, but specific screen time modes and gender interactions are crucial for understanding adolescent mental health.
Area of Science:
- Adolescent mental health
- Behavioral science
- Public health
Background:
- Physical activity (PA) is linked to positive mental health in adolescents.
- Screen time (ST) is associated with negative mental health outcomes.
- The interplay between ST, PA, and depressive symptoms, considering different ST modes, requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the associations between ST (TV, computer, phone use) and PA levels with depressive symptoms in adolescents.
- To explore the influence of different ST modes on depressive symptoms.
- To investigate the moderating role of PA level on the relationship between ST and depressive symptoms, considering gender differences.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 1756 adolescents (mean age 15.2 years, 995 female) in Ireland.
- Participants completed the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology and self-reported weekly ST and PA levels.
- Linear regressions and chi-square tests/ANOVA were used to analyze associations and gender differences.
Main Results:
- Higher computer and phone use were significantly associated with increased depressive symptoms.
- Higher PA levels were inversely associated with depressive symptoms.
- Associations between phone use and depressive symptoms were moderated by PA level for both males and females.
Conclusions:
- Complex interrelationships exist between ST, PA, and depressive symptoms in adolescents.
- The impact of ST on mental health varies by gender and specific screen media used.
- Interventions should concurrently promote PA and reduce ST, tailoring strategies to different media and genders.
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