The role of adolescents’ participation in physical education and leisure-time sport activity on their social connectedness, depression, and aggressive behaviour

The current study investigated the benefits of adolescents’ participation in physical activity (PA), including physical education (PE) and leisure-time sports activity (LTSA), on their subjective wellbeing (SWB), namely social connectedness, depression, and aggression. Specifically, the study explored the mediating role of social connectedness in the relationship between adolescents’ PA and depression/aggression. Data were collected from 358 middle-school students in Korea and analysed using structural equation modelling. Results indicated that adolescents’ participation in PE had a direct positive effect on social connectedness, while LTSA had a direct negative effect on depression. Social connectedness was negatively associated with both depression and aggression, while depression was positively associated with aggression. Consequently, the results indicated a full mediation effect of social connectedness between PE and adolescent SWB. The results also suggested meaningful gender differences. The effect of LTSA on depression was significant only for females, while the relationship between social connectedness and depression was stronger for females. Overall, the study suggests that PE is an effective way to enhance middle schoolers’ social connectedness, which can decrease the level of depression and aggression. Consequently, the health and education agencies should consider PE and LTSA as an effective strategy to promote Korean adolescents’ subjective wellbeing.