Correlation of Physical Activity with Adolescent Mental Health in Early High School

Abstract

Adolescent mental health is an important issue because it affects emotional, social, and academic development, especially in the early days of high school. Physical activity is known to play a role in maintaining a balance of mental health. This study aims to determine the relationship between physical activity and mental health in early adolescents in one of the high schools in Boyolali Regency. This study uses an analytical quantitative design with a cross sectional approach. The study population was 324 students, with 275 students participating using the total sampling technique. Physical activity was measured using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ), while mental health was measured using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-42). Data analysis was carried out using the Spearman Rank correlation test. The results showed a significant relationship with the negative direction between physical activity and depression (p=0.002; r=-0.185), anxiety (p=0.010; r=-0.155), and stress (p=0.015; r=-0.147). These findings suggest that the higher the level of physical activity, the lower the rate of mental health disorders in adolescents. In conclusion, physical activity plays a protective factor for adolescent mental health, even though the strength of the relationship found is relatively weak.