Abstract
Adolescents’ social competences determine the effectiveness of social functioning. In the long term, a higher level of social competence increases readiness for university and increases the chance of achieving success in a professional career. The primary objective of this study is to examine the association between social competences and self-esteem, physical activity, screen time, and participation in sports among Polish adolescents. 106 adolescents completed the Social Competences Questionnaire (SCQ) and Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), as well as selected questions from the Health Behavior in School Aged Children (HBSC). Analysis of the study variables showed a moderate statistically significant relationship between social competences and self-esteem (rs = 0.55, p < 0.001). Statistical analysis also showed that adolescents who engage in moderate and vigorous physical activity (MVPA; ≥5 days/week) have significantly higher levels of social competences than adolescents with lower MVPA (Z = 3.50, p ˂ 0.001). No significant statistical association was found between social competences and screen time, or participation in sport. Hierarchical multiple regression also suggested that higher self-esteem and engaging in moderate and vigorous physical activity is positively associated with higher social competences among adolescents. Adolescents’ social competences are significantly associated with self-esteem and physical activity. The results can help those working with young people with social functioning difficulties in performing effective interventions and shaping policies.
Highlights
Social competences (SCs) of adolescents determine the effectiveness of social functioning [1]
The primary objective of this study is to examine the association between social competences and self-esteem, physical activity, screen time, and participation in sports among Polish adolescents
Adolescents’ SCs are significantly associated with self-esteem and physical activity
Summary
Social competences (SCs) of adolescents determine the effectiveness of social functioning [1]. A higher level of SCs in adolescents increases readiness for university, increases the chance of achieving success in a professional career, and helps to build positive relationships, supporting mental health [2]. The mental health of adolescents is an object of interest for the World Health Organization, which recommends the development of SCs as a way to prevent suicide among adolescents [3]. There is a link between the underdevelopment of SCs in childhood and adolescence and the difficulties associated with entering adulthood and taking on new social roles [4]. Research suggests that SCs deficits are positively associated with an increased likelihood of exhibiting behavioral problems among adolescents [5]. SCs are identified as important goals of education [6,7]
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