Abstract
Physical activity has positive effects on self-esteem and sense of belongingness and vice versa. The experience sampling method allows for a level of analysis of the within-subject temporal dynamics of these interactions. We hypothesized that physical activity would predict prospective increases of self-esteem and belongingness in the flow of daily life, and vice versa. Additionally, we hypothesized that belongingness would predict self-esteem at the beep level. The study included 781 individuals (17.4 +/- 3.5 years; 59% female) who responded to 10 beeps daily for 6 days to items on physical activity, self-esteem and belongingness. Univariate and multivariate multilevel models were used to examine within-person prospective bidirectional associations. We found that physical activity predicted higher self-esteem and belongingness at t0+1. Participants who had a stronger increase of self-esteem following an increase in physical activity also had a concurrent stronger increase in belongingness. In contrast, self-esteem had no effect on physical activity at the next beep. Belongingness predicted self-esteem. We conclude that the interactions between physical activity, self-esteem and belongingness are complex and fluctuating in daily life. This has important implications for current theories describing the mental health benefits of physical activity.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 100413 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Mental Health and Physical Activity |
Volume | 21 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Oct 2021 |
Keywords
- Physical activity
- Self-esteem
- Belonging
- Experience sampling method
- Young adult
- MENTAL-HEALTH
- LONGITUDINAL EXAMINATION
- MOMENTARY ASSESSMENT
- EXERCISE
- SOCIOMETER
- CONTEXT
- PARANOIA
- BEHAVIOR
- SCALE
- INSTABILITY