Effects of Physical Activity on Psychological Variables in Adolescents

TLDR

More research is needed to confirm previous findings. The study reviewed 20 articles to identify the most consistent relationships between physical activity and psychological variables in youth aged 11–21. The authors conducted a systematic review of 20 studies on depression, anxiety, stress, self‑esteem, self‑concept, hostility, anger, intellectual functioning, and psychiatric disorders in youth aged 11–21. Physical activity consistently improves self‑esteem, self‑concept, depressive symptoms, and anxiety/stress (effect sizes +0.12, –0.15, –0.38), hostility/anger and academic achievement evidence is inconclusive, no negative effects were reported, and overall it is psychologically beneficial, with adolescents advised to do moderate or vigorous aerobic activity about three times per week for at least 60 minutes total.

Abstract

To identify the most consistent relationships among psychological variables and physical activity in youth (ages 11-21 years), 20 articles on depression, anxiety, stress, self-esteem, self-concept, hostility, anger, intellectual functioning, and psychiatric disorders were reviewed. Physical activity was consistently related to improvements in self-esteem, self-concept, depressive symptoms, and anxiety/stress. The effect sizes were +.12, -.15, and -.38 for self-esteem/self-concept, stress/anxiety, and depression, respectively. The evidence for hostility/anger and academic achievement was inconclusive. No negative effects of physical activity were reported. The literature suggests that physical activity in youth is psychologically beneficial. More research is needed to confirm previous findings. Adolescents should engage in moderate or vigorous aerobic activity approximately three times per week for a total of at least 60 minutes per week.