The Moderating Role of Sociodemographic Factors in the Relationship between Physical Activity and Subjective Well-Being in Chilean Children and Adolescents

Abstract

Background: The relationship between physical activity habits and well-being is widely recognized; however, the interaction that these variables have with sociodemographic factors throughout life is only partially addressed in the literature, particularly in children and adolescents. The aim of this article is to analyze the moderating effect of sociodemographic factors and the possible interaction of these moderations in the relationship between physical activity and subjective well-being in children and adolescents. Methods: This cross-sectional study considered a sample of 9572 children and adolescents from 10 to 19 years of age, students of primary and secondary schools in all regions of Chile. Subjective well-being and physical activity habits were measured using self-report questionnaires. Socioeconomic level was established from the school vulnerability index (SVI) of each student’s school. Results: Simple moderation analyses revealed that the higher the age and the lower the SVI, the stronger the relationship between physical activity habits and subjective well-being. From a double moderation analysis, it could be observed that the age of the subjects is the most relevant moderator in the relationship between physical activity habits and perceived well-being in young people. Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of considering these factors and their interaction when generating programs or public policies to improve physical activity habits and well-being in children and adolescents.

The Effect of Physical Exercise and Internet Use on Youth Subjective Well-Being—The Mediating Role of Life Satisfaction and the Moderating Effect of Social Mentality

“…This study found that physical activity positively predicted subjective well-being, and the results obtained are consistent with previous research findings [ 39 ]. The positive effects of physical activity include better physical condition, positive psychological experiences, and harmonious interpersonal relationships.…”

The association between physical activity and subjective well-being among adolescents in southwest China by parental absence: a moderated mediation model

“…This finding is largely in line with previous studies, which demonstrated that physical activity in general is associated with improved positive emotions and life satisfaction, and participation in organized physical activity in particular enhances subjective well-being in adolescents [ 18 , 58 ]. It follows that active participation in organized physical activity in school is a viable intervention strategy that can facilitate caring for adolescents’ mental health in southwest China [ 19 , 34 ].…”

“…The Guidelines on Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2020 recommended that adolescents should engage in moderate to vigorous physical activity for an average of 60 min (1 h) per day [ 17 ]. However, with the transition from childhood to adolescence, adolescents will gradually experience increased academic stress, more sedentary behavior, and decreased physical activity [ 18 , 19 ]. For example, the rate of physical inactivity among global school-aged adolescents is about 80%, and the proportion of adolescents with physical inactivity has gradually increased worldwide [ 20 ].…”