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The impact of physical activity on adolescent social anxiety: a growth curve model analysis
Rui Qin1, Hongli Wu1, Jihe Zhou1
1School of Sports Medicine and Health, Chengdu Institute of Physical Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
Objective:
This study examined the dynamic association between adolescents' physical activity levels and social anxiety using a latent growth curve model.
Methods:
A longitudinal survey was conducted with 851 students from five middle schools in Sichuan, Jiangsu, and Guangdong provinces, China. Assessments were conducted at 3-month intervals. Physical activity and social anxiety were measured using the IPAQ and the Social Anxiety Scale for Adolescents. Latent growth curve models were estimated using Mplus 8.0.
Results:
(1) Physical activity followed a nonlinear trend, initially decreasing and then increasing (initial level = 3.267, p < 0.01; linear rate = -0.087, p < 0.01; nonlinear rate = 0.026, p < 0.01). (2) Social anxiety showed an "increase-then-decrease" trajectory (initial level = 2.713, p < 0.01; linear rate = 0.178, p < 0.01; nonlinear rate = -0.064, p < 0.01). (3) The initial level of physical activity negatively predicted social anxiety's initial level (β = -0.250, p < 0.001) and change rate (β = -0.154, p < 0.001).
Conclusion:
Higher physical activity levels were associated with lower social anxiety and slower increases in social anxiety over time. Promoting regular physical activity may help support adolescent mental health.
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