Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour and Mental Health in Young People: A Review of Reviews

Abstract

Childhood and adolescence are particularly sensitive periods during which environmental factors may influence individuals’ present and future mental health. A large and increasing number of studies have demonstrated that engaging in physical activity and reducing sedentary behaviour may enhance young people’s mental health. However, updating and quantifying the current evidence is needed. Thereby, this chapter systematically reviews the available literature in order to (1) provide an updated synthesis of the literature in physical activity, sedentary behaviour and mental health in young people, (2) identify gaps in knowledge and (3) suggest directions for future research. From our review, a small but significant positive effect of physical activity on mental health among youths emerged. Furthermore, increased levels of sedentary behaviour, particularly excessive screen time (i.e. beyond 2 h/day in recreational time), were associated with poor mental health among young people. However, more studies are needed to better understand the specific mechanisms responsible for the effect of physical activity and sedentary behaviour on mental health in young people. The output from this chapter may assist in the development of evidence-based physical activity and sedentary behaviour guidelines for children and adolescents to enhance health and well-being.