Article

Is there a link between self-perceived stress and physical activity levels in Scottish adolescents?

Details

Citation

Cowley J, Kiely J & Collins D (2019) Is there a link between self-perceived stress and physical activity levels in Scottish adolescents?. International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health, 31 (1), Art. No.: 20160104. https://doi.org/10.1515/ijamh-2016-0104

Abstract
Purpose Accumulating life stress is a driving factor underlying the most pervasive, incapacitating health conditions in 21st century, First World societies. The most widely supported strategy, for remediating the negative health consequences of elevated life stress, is physical activity (PA). Evidence also suggests accumulating life stress impedes PA uptake. Thus, ironically, persistently elevated life stress not only negatively impacts multiple dimensions of health, simultaneously it may also reduce likelihood of participation in the most effective remediating strategy, PA. This study sought to compare patterns of PA uptake in adolescents of low socioeconomic status (SES) backgrounds, a significant risk factor for elevated biopsychosocial stress, with more affluent age-matched peers. Related health behaviours such as smoking and alcohol consumption were also analysed. Methods PA patterns were determined using the Physical Activity Questionnaire for High School (PAQA). Stress scores were assessed using the 10-item perceived stress scale (PSS-10). Results PA scores were significantly different between groups (p 

Keywords
adolescents; exercise; physical education; physical activity; stress

Journal
International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health: Volume 31, Issue 1

StatusPublished
FundersUniversity of Central Lancashire
Publication date28/02/2019
Publication date online18/07/2017
Date accepted by journal26/12/2016
URLhttp://hdl.handle.net/1893/27644
PublisherWalter de Gruyter GmbH
ISSN0334-0139
eISSN2191-0278

People (1)

Dr Joe Cowley

Dr Joe Cowley

Lecturer in Education (PE & Health), Education