JAMA Netw Open

Do early lifestyle behaviors shape mental health outcomes in teens?

February 19, 2025

Lifestyle behaviors, such as higher physical activity and lower screen time from childhood, were associated with reduced perceived stress and depressive symptoms in adolescence. During pediatric consultations, consider emphasizing the benefits of active lifestyles and inform parents and caregivers about the potential mental health risks associated with excessive screen time.

Study details: This prospective cohort study, conducted in Finland, utilized data from the Physical Activity and Nutrition in Children (PANIC) study. Baseline data were collected from children aged 6 to 9 years between October 2007 and November 2009, with an 8-year follow-up between December 2015 and December 2017. The study assessed cumulative physical activity, sedentary behavior, sleep, and diet quality using questionnaires, movement and heart rate sensors, and food records.

Results: A total of 187 adolescents with valid self-reported lifestyle data and 170 with valid device-assessed data were included. Higher self-reported total physical activity and supervised exercise were inversely associated with perceived stress and depressive symptoms. Conversely, higher total screen time, computer use, and mobile device use were positively associated with increased perceived stress and depressive symptoms.

Source:

Haapala EA, et al. (2025, February 3). JAMA Netw Open. Childhood Lifestyle Behaviors and Mental Health Symptoms in Adolescence. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39951263/