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Physical activity levels and externalizing problem behaviors in Chinese adolescents using latent profile analysis
Jianhua Zhang1, Jingtao Wu2, Shanguang Zhao3
1School of Physical Education, Huanghuai University, Henan, China.
Scientific Reports
|July 2, 2025
Summary
Higher physical activity (PA) is linked to fewer externalizing behaviors in Chinese adolescents. Promoting regular PA can help reduce behavioral issues and inform personalized interventions.
Area of Science:
- Adolescent Health
- Behavioral Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Externalizing problem behaviors are a significant concern in adolescent populations.
- Understanding the factors influencing these behaviors is crucial for developing effective interventions.
- Physical activity (PA) is a potential protective factor, but its relationship with externalizing behaviors requires further investigation, particularly in diverse cultural contexts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between physical activity (PA) levels and externalizing problem behaviors among Chinese adolescents.
- To identify specific patterns of PA and externalizing behaviors using latent profile analysis (LPA).
- To inform the development of evidence-based, personalized intervention strategies for adolescent behavioral issues.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 1,718 middle and high school students in China.
- Physical activity levels were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ).
- Externalizing problem behaviors were measured using the Youth Self-Report (YSR) scale, with LPA and multivariate logistic regression employed for analysis.
Main Results:
- Adolescents in suburban areas reported higher PA and externalizing behaviors; behaviors increased with age.
- Latent profile analysis identified three groups of externalizing behaviors: low (75.1%), moderate (13.1%), and high (11.8%).
- Higher PA levels were significantly associated with a reduced likelihood of moderate (OR=0.71) and high (OR=0.44) externalizing problem behaviors.
Conclusions:
- Physical activity is a significant protective factor against externalizing problem behaviors in Chinese adolescents.
- Integrating regular physical activity into intervention programs is recommended.
- Personalized support strategies should consider adolescents' specific characteristics and PA levels.
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