Adolescents' perceived school climate, self-reported mental health, and frequency of physical activity: associations
Baiba Martinsone1, Eva Ģērmane1, Jesslynn R Neves-McCain2
1Department of Psychology, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia.
Abstract:
This study aimed to test whether a more positively perceived school climate and more frequent physical activity are related to better mental health among adolescents. Additionally, the research examined the gender differences in adolescents' self-reported mental health, perceptions of school climate, and the frequency of their physical activity. A total of 2,526 students (52.6% girls; 43.8% boys) from grades 5 through 12 from various schools in Latvia participated in the study. The research used the Georgia School Climate Survey (GSCS) and three questions from the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C). The results of multiple linear regression analysis confirmed that a more positively perceived overall school climate (B = -1.05, p < .001) and greater engagement in physical activity (B = -1.05, p < .001) were both significantly associated with better mental health in adolescents. The findings also revealed gender differences in self-reported mental health: girls reported significantly higher levels of mental health difficulties (M = 2.22 compared to boys' M = 1.87). In contrast, girls rated such factors of the school climate as adult and peer support, social/civic learning and physical environment more positively, while boys reported significantly higher levels of physical activity (28.98 compared to girls' 26,43). Despite such limitations of the research as self-report bias and cross-sectional design, these findings underscore the critical role of the school environment in predicting mental health outcomes, highlighting the need for targeted improvements that both mitigate risk factors and promote inclusive access to physical activity among all students.
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