Decreased physical activity with subjective pleasure is associated with avoidance behaviors

The effect of behavioral activation play therapy in adolescents with depression: A study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Depression is a common psychological problem in adolescents worldwide. Although the World Health Organization recommends that members of this population engage in physical activity to reduce depressive symptoms, compliance with this recommendation is often low. Furthermore, although behavioral activation (BA) is recommended as a treatment for adolescents with depression, the reported effect size is small. Compared with traditional exercises, gamified physical activity (GPA) can be particularly appealing to adolescents because it is perceived as an enjoyable experience. In this study, we integrated BA and GPA to create behavioral activation play therapy (BAPT). We designed a clinical trial to investigate the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of this treatment in adolescents with depression.

METHODS

This study is a randomized controlled trial (RCT) with a three-arm, assessor-blinded design, conducted to validate the effectiveness and applicability of BAPT for treating adolescent with depression. We will recruit 258 participants and randomly assign them to a BAPT group, BA group, or GPA group using a ratio of 1:1:1. Based on conventional strategies for treatment and care, the three groups will receive nine BAPT sessions, nine BA sessions, or nine GPA sessions, respectively. We will compare the outcomes of the BAPT with those of the BA and GPA interventions.

DISCUSSION

This is the first RCT to explore the effectiveness and applicability of BAPT in adolescents with depression. This study will provide evidence that may help to decrease depressive symptoms in adolescents, and will demonstrate the treatment effectiveness in terms of increasing levels of physical activity, reducing the rate of non-suicidal self-injury behaviors, and improving sleep quality. We will also assess the presence of side effects and the treatment adherence of patients receiving BAPT.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2300072671. Registered on 20 June 2023.

Exploring the Nexus between Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity, Self-Disclosure, Social Anxiety, and Adolescent Social Avoidance: Insights from a Cross-Sectional Study in Central China

Objectives: Psychological issues among adolescents represent a prevalent challenge in today's society. The purpose of this study is to explore the associations among moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, self-disclosure, social anxiety, and social avoidance in adolescents. Methods: This study collected cross-sectional data from 427 students in eight provincial key junior and senior high schools in the central China region of three provinces using snowball sampling and convenience sampling from July to August 2023. A structural equation model was employed to investigate the relationship between moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and social avoidance among adolescents. Results: The findings indicate that moderate-to-vigorous physical activity is negatively correlated with social anxiety (standardized coefficient = -0.219, p < 0.001) and positively correlated with self-disclosure (standardized coefficient = 0.454, p < 0.001). Social anxiety is negatively correlated with self-disclosure (standardized coefficient = -0.220, p < 0.001). Social avoidance is positively correlated with social anxiety (standardized coefficient = 0.461, p < 0.001) and negatively correlated with self-disclosure (standardized coefficient = -0.331, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The chain-mediated dual-path model between moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and social avoidance is facilitated by social anxiety and self-disclosure. In other words, adolescents who engage in more moderate to high-intensity physical activities exhibit lower levels of social anxiety, and those who have a stronger inclination for self-disclosure tend to demonstrate lower levels of social avoidance. In light of these findings, it is recommended that the government, society, schools, and families collaborate synergistically to promote the holistic well-being of adolescents and advance the development of a healthier China.

Association between enjoyment, physical activity, and physical literacy among college students: a mediation analysis

Background

Physical literacy and enjoyment are important factors that affect physical activity.

Purpose

This work studies whether physical activity enjoyment (PAE) mediates the association between moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and physical literacy (PL) among college students.

Methods

Chinese college students were recruited using the Perceived Physical Literacy Instrument Scale (PPLI-SC), the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF), and the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale. The SPSS Hayes process macro (model 4) was used to analyze the direct impact and the indirect impact. Pearson correlation, independent sample t-tests, and linear regression were used to analyze the relationship between indicators.

Results

The study surveyed 587 boys and 1,393 girls with a total of 1,980 valid questionnaires. MVPA, PAE, and PL of boys were significantly higher than girls (p < 0.01). The correlation analysis showed that MVPA, PL, and PAE were significantly correlated (p < 0.01). The results showed the direct effect of PL on MVPA was still statistically significant (β = 0.067, p < 0.05) after adding PAE variables; PAE has a positive effect on MVPA after controlling PL (β = 0.170, p < 0. 01). PL has a positive effect on PAE (β = 0.750, p < 0.01). PL impacted MVPA as explained by a 65.58% mediating effect of enjoyment.

Conclusion

Physical activity enjoyment mediates the relationship between PL and MVPA among college students. This means that even high PL among student may not imply that they are physically active if they do not enjoy physical activity.