Daily Physical Activity and Satisfaction with Life in Adolescents: An Ecological Momentary Assessment Study Exploring Direct Associations and the Mediating Role of Core Affect

• Published in: Journal of happiness studies 2022-03, Vol.23 (3), p.949-968
• Main Authors: Bourke, Matthew, Hilland, Toni A., Craike, Melinda
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescents; Correlation analysis; Economics; Emotions; Exercise; Housework; Leisure; Life satisfaction; Personality and Social Psychology; Philosophy; Positive Psychology; Quality of Life Research; Research Paper; Social Sciences; Teenagers; Well being
• ISSN: 1389-4978; 1573-7780
• DOI: 10.1007/s10902-021-00431-z

Perceptions of satisfaction with life tend to become less positive during adolescence. Previous research has shown that physical activity may positively explain differences in satisfaction in life between adolescents, however, there is no research examining whether adolescents are more satisfied with their life on days that they are more active than usual. Additionally, little is known about the mechanisms which explain the association between physical activity and satisfaction with life. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the association between daily and average levels of physical activity and satisfaction with life in adolescents, and whether core affect mediated this association. As part of a four-day ecological momentary assessment study, 119 adolescents (mean age = 14.7 years) reported their core affect on multiple occasions each day and their satisfaction with life each evening. Additionally, levels of device-measured physical activity were measured using accelerometers and, self-reported daily levels of leisure-time physical activity, active travel, and household physical activity were assessed. Overall, 69 and 94 participants were included in analyses of the association between device-measured and self-reported physical activity and satisfaction with life respectively. Results from repeated measures correlation analyses showed that adolescents were more satisfied with their life on days when they accumulated more device-measured overall, light, and moderate-intensity physical activity than usual. Additionally, adolescents who reported engaging in more leisure-time physical activity on average than others were more satisfied with their life. Results from mediation analysis showed that energetic arousal might mediate the between-person association between physical activity and satisfaction with life. Therese findings highlight the potential of participation in physical activity to promote wellbeing in adolescents.