Abstract
This study aimed to investigate self-reported physical activity levels, perceived body appearance, and body functioning in relation to perceived wellbeing among adolescents. A cross-sectional survey was performed in four upper secondary schools in one municipality in southern Sweden. Data were obtained from questionnaires completed by 1,491 adolescents (55.4% females; median age 16; range 15–17 years) during school hours. The participation rate was 71.4%. Logistic regression analyses were carried out with wellbeing as the dependent variable. The independent variables included gender, perceived family financial situation, perceived body appearance, perceived body function, and physical activity level. Perceived positive wellbeing was associated with being satisfied with their body's appearance (OR 3.4; CI 2.6–4.4) and function (OR 3.1; CI 2.2–4.2), being physically active three or more times per week (OR 1.5; CI 1.1–2.0), and a good perceived family financial situation (OR 3.3; CI 1.6–6.7). Gender was not significantly associated with wellbeing. A positive body image, which include both body appearance and body function, and high physical activity levels were significantly associated with wellbeing in adolescents, corroborating the importance of promoting physical activity among younger populations.
Highlights
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health “is a state of wellbeing in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community” (World Health Organization, 2018)
Given the salutogenic approach used in our study, we focused on positive wellbeing instead of poor wellbeing; the pathogenic side of the phenomenon is shown: low Physical activity (PA) levels were associated with poor wellbeing
More adolescent females than males in this study reported regularly engaging in PA three or more times per week and reported a positive body image, which contradicts the results of other studies (Public Health Agency of Sweden, 2019; SteeneJohannessen et al, 2020)
Summary
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health “is a state of wellbeing in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community” (World Health Organization, 2018). Adolescent mental health problems are a global public health concern accompanied by a growing disease burden (Whiteford et al, 2013). Mental disorders are estimated to affect 10–20% of children and adolescents worldwide, resulting in short- and long-term consequences that include school disengagement and poor quality of life (Kieling et al, 2011). One in five adolescents are reported to have a mental illness that will persist into adulthood (Kessler et al, 2005) that imposes high costs for society (Suhrcke et al, 2008). Emerging evidence suggests that primary prevention can address some mental health problems and improve the overall mental wellbeing of children and adolescents (Kieling et al, 2011). Given the pervasiveness of mental health disorders in adolescents, importance must be placed on promoting good mental health in this population
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