The complex and dynamic interplay between self-esteem, belongingness and physical activity in daily life: An experience sampling study in adolescence and young adulthood. (October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mazereel, Victor; Vansteelandt, Kristof; Menne-Lothmann, Claudia; Decoster, Jeroen; Derom, Catherine; Thiery, Evert; Rutten, Bart P.F.; Jacobs, Nele; van Os, Jim; Wichers, Marieke; De Hert, Marc; Vancampfort, Davy; van Winkel, Ruud
• Is Part Of: Mental health and physical activity. Volume 21(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-10
• Subjects: Physical activity -- Self-esteem -- Belonging -- Experience sampling method -- Young adult; Mental illness -- Prevention -- Periodicals; Exercise -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Depression, Mental -- Exercise therapy -- Periodicals; Anxiety -- Exercise therapy -- Periodicals; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mhpa.2021.100413
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1755-2966

Abstract

Abstract: Physical activity has positive effects on self-esteem and sense of belongingness and vice versa. The experience sampling method allows for a level of analysis of the within-subject temporal dynamics of these interactions. We hypothesized that physical activity would predict prospective increases of self-esteem and belongingness in the flow of daily life, and vice versa. Additionally, we hypothesized that belongingness would predict self-esteem at the beep level. The study included 781 individuals (17.4 ± 3.5 years; 59% female) who responded to 10 beeps daily for 6 days to items on physical activity, self-esteem and belongingness. Univariate and multivariate multilevel models were used to examine within-person prospective bidirectional associations. We found that physical activity predicted higher self-esteem and belongingness at t0 +1. Participants who had a stronger increase of self-esteem following an increase in physical activity also had a concurrent stronger increase in belongingness. In contrast, self-esteem had no effect on physical activity at the next beep. Belongingness predicted self-esteem. We conclude that the interactions between physical activity, self-esteem and belongingness are complex and fluctuating in daily life. This has important implications for current theories describing the mental health benefits of physical activity. Highlights: Physical activity predicts subsequent self-esteem and belongingness in daily life. Belongingness predicts self-esteem in daily life. High variability exists in the way people react to physical activity.