Associations of device-measured sedentary time, mentally-passive and mentally-active sedentary behaviors with self-concept in adolescents

• Published in: Mental health and physical activity 2022-03, Vol.22, p.100430, Article 100430
• Main Authors: Raquel de Oliveira Bueno, Maria, de Oliveira Werneck, André, Zambrin, Lidyane Ferreira, Samara da Silva, Kelly, Junior, Helio Serassuelo, Romanzini, Marcelo, Vaz Ronque, Enio Ricardo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Accelerometry; Sedentary lifestyle; Self-concept; Youth
• ISSN: 1755-2966; 1878-0199
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mhpa.2021.100430

The purpose of this study was to analyze the associations of device-measured total sedentary time, self-reported mentally-active, and passive sedentary time with self-concept among adolescents. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 669 adolescents, aged 10–14 years, from the sixth grade of elementary school, in Londrina/PR, Brazil. The device-based sedentary time was measured using accelerometers (GT3X and GT3X+; ActiGraph), and 370 participants presented valid data. The self-reported sedentary time in different activities was summed and divided into mentally-active (playing electronic games, studying, and reading) and mentally-passive (watching TV, watching DVD, using computer for leisure) sedentary time. Self-concept was assessed using the Piers-Harris II Inventory. Body mass index, socioeconomic status, loneliness, sleep quality, sex, and age were included as confounders. Mentally-passive sedentary time (β = −0.211, 95%CI:-0.402;-0.020) and device-based sedentary time (β = −0.103, 95%CI:-0.191;-0.015) were associated with lower self-concept. Mentally-active sedentary time was not associated with self-concept. Total device-based sedentary time and time in mentally-passive sedentary behaviors were associated with lower self-concept among adolescents, while mentally-active sedentary time was not associated with self-concept. Potential interventions on self-concept should focus on reducing mentally-passive sedentary time. •The association between sedentary time and self-concept differs when analyzing types of sedentary behavior.•The device-measured ST and the mentally-passive ST were inversely associated with self-concept in adolescents.•The mentally-active ST was not associated with self-concept.