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Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology
Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology 5/2011

01-05-2011 | Original Paper

Role of physical and sedentary activities in the development of depressive symptoms in early adolescence

Authors: Anne Mari Sund, Bo Larsson, Lars Wichstrøm

Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology | Issue 5/2011

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Abstract

Objective

To examine whether levels of physical activity or sedentary activity are risk factors for the development of depressive symptoms in early adolescence.

Methods

A representative sample of 2,464 12- to 15-year-old adolescents living in the middle of Norway was assessed twice, during the years 1998 (T1) and 1999/2000 (T2). The attrition rate was 4.3%. We assessed depressive symptoms (using the Mood and Feelings Questionnaire, MFQ) and levels of physical and sedentary activities at baseline and follow-up. Various potentially confounding factors, including demographic factors, were assessed at baseline.

Results

The MFQ scores at T1 were cross-sectionally associated with low levels of vigorous exercise. A possible buffering effect of vigorous exercise on the relationship between stressful life events and depression was demonstrated. In longitudinal analysis low levels of vigorous exercise and high levels of sedentary activities (boys only) predicted a high score (MFQ ≥ 25) at T2.

Conclusions

Low levels of vigorous exercise and high levels of sedentary activities (boys only) constituted independent risk factors for the development of a high level of depressive symptoms in a 1-year study of young adolescents. This knowledge should be considered by policy makers, preventative services, and health-care professionals.
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Metadata
Title
Role of physical and sedentary activities in the development of depressive symptoms in early adolescence
Authors
Anne Mari Sund
Bo Larsson
Lars Wichstrøm
Publication date
01-05-2011
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology / Issue 5/2011
Print ISSN: 0933-7954
Electronic ISSN: 1433-9285
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-010-0208-0

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