Physical Activity and Adolescent Depression: The Moderating Effects of Self-Esteem, Sleep Quality and Social Support in Mental Health Interventions

Depression among adolescents is a growing concern, with physical activity (PA) potentially playing a protective role. This research investigates the effect of PA on depressive symptoms and examines the moderating effects of self-esteem (SE), sleep quality (SQ) and social support (SS). This research aims to examine the association connecting PA and depression in adolescents, highlighting the roles of SE, SQ and SS in mediating these effects. An organised survey was used in a quantitative investigation design to assemble self-reported details on adolescents aged 13–18 years on PA, SE, SQ and depressive symptoms. There were direct visits made to the schools to solicit data for 3 months. A stratified sampling method was employed, resulting in the distribution of 550 questionnaires, which yielded 485 valid responses. The data were processed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), which allowed for both descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings revealed that increased PA levels significantly correlated with lower depression rates in adolescents. Also, both SE and SQ were crucial mediators within this relationship, as more SE and better SQ both cut further into depressed symptoms. In addition, results revealed that elevated quantities of SS were very highly connected to decreased strength of depression. This research study examines PA and depression in adolescents as well as the moderating parts of SE and SQ, and the direct role of SS.