Movement Mediates the Relationship Between Socioeconomic Position and Socioemotional Outcomes in Youth

Youth from lower socioeconomic positions tend to have poorer socioemotional outcomes, be less physically active, have poorer sleep, and engage in more screen time than their peers from higher socioeconomic positions. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that movement behaviors (ie,...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Wilhite, Katrina, Noetel, Michael, Pozo Cruz, Borja del, Lonsdale, Chris, Sanders, Taren
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2025
País:España
Institución:Universidad Europea (UEM)
Repositorio:ABACUS. Repositorio de Producción Científica
OAI Identifier:oai:dnet:abacusreposi::8f8b6ecc25448e5bd88267dc9066e636
Acceso en línea:http://hdl.handle.net/11268/13716
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Conducta sedentaria
Deporte
Joven
Salud
Descripción
Sumario:Youth from lower socioeconomic positions tend to have poorer socioemotional outcomes, be less physically active, have poorer sleep, and engage in more screen time than their peers from higher socioeconomic positions. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that movement behaviors (ie, physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep) and changes in combinations of movement behaviors over time (movement trajectories) mediate the relationship between socioeconomic position and socioemotional outcomes in youth. Methods: This study used socioeconomic position data, scores from Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaires, and time-use diaries from 980 females and 1014 males (2% Australian Indigenous) aged 10–14 from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children from 2014 to 2018. Results: Movement trajectories did not mediate the relationship between socioeconomic position and socioemotional outcomes. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator-based mediation analyses found males from lower socioeconomic positions participated in less moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity than their peers from high socioeconomic positions, partially explaining (7%) more peer problems. Youth from lower socioeconomic positions participated in more recreational screen activities than their peers from higher socioeconomic positions, partially explaining (1%–3%) worse total socioemotional outcomes and conduct (females) and emotional problems (males). Conclusions: Future qualitative research should be considered to identify the best ways for youth from lower socioeconomic positions to decrease screen time and increase opportunities to participate in moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity in the community, at school, and at home. Other mediators explaining differences in socioemotional outcomes should be explored.