This study documented change in physical activity from ages 12-17 years among youth with and without elevated depressive symptoms, and examined the influences of key family, physiological, and demographic covariates on activity patterns.
Data were from 371 youth. The sample was 50%female; 76%White, 12%African American, 4%Hispanic, 2%Asian, 2%American Indian, and 4%other or mixed races. Mean age was 12.05 years (SD聽=聽1.63) at Time 1. Latent growth curve modeling (LGM), a cohort-sequential design, and a multiple-group design by level of depressive symptoms were employed.
Adolescent physical activity declined significantly from ages 12-17 for those with and without elevated depressive symptoms. Adolescents with elevated symptoms had lower initial levels of physical activity than individuals without. For youth with low depressive symptoms, male sex and parental support of physical activity were related to higher initial levels of physical activity. For youth with elevated depressive symptoms, male sex, being White, and parental support were related to higher initial levels of physical activity. Additionally, for both groups, increases in parent physical activity were related to less of a decline in adolescent physical activity trajectories.
Findings highlight the importance of parental support in promoting physical activity among adolescents with and without elevated depressive symptoms.