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Longitudinal reciprocal associations between physical exercise and aggressive behavior in adolescents: a cross-lagged
Guanyun Zhong1, Xiafang Li1, Ting Zhang1
1Physical Education College, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, China.
Objective:
To examine the longitudinal reciprocal association between physical exercise and aggressive behavior among adolescents using a cross-lagged research design.
Methods:
A longitudinal study was conducted over 1 year at three time points (T1, T2, T3) involving 1,215 junior and senior high school students, using the Physical Activity Level Scale and the Aggression Behavior Scale.
Results:
Physical exercise among adolescents showed significant gender differences (p < 0.001), and gender differences in aggressive behavior were also significant (p < 0.05). Physical exercise and aggressive behavior exhibited stable, negative correlations across time (at T1, r = -0.183, p < 0.001; at T2, r = -0.189, p < 0.001; at T3, r = -0.223, p < 0.001). Cross-lagged analysis revealed a reciprocal longitudinal pattern: T1 physical exercise was negatively associated with T2 aggressive behavior (β = -0.097, p < 0.001), and T2 physical exercise was negatively associated with T3 aggressive behavior (β = -0.085, p < 0.01). Similarly, T1 aggressive behavior was negatively associated with T2 physical exercise (β = -0.053, p < 0.05), and T2 aggressive behavior was negatively associated with T3 physical exercise (β = -0.062, p < 0.05). These cross-lagged associations were consistent across genders and educational stages.
Conclusion:
This study reveals stable gender differences in both physical exercise and aggressive behavior among adolescents, and a bidirectional longitudinal association between the two, rather than a unidirectional one. Specifically, higher levels of physical exercise are associated with lower levels of aggressive behavior, and higher levels of aggressive behavior are associated with lower levels of physical exercise participation over time. Universal intervention strategies that address the reciprocal association between physical exercise and aggressive behavior may serve as a reference for adolescents across different genders and developmental stages.
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