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Physical activity and mental health in schoolchildren: A complicated relationship
Author(s) -
Lagerberg Dagmar
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
acta pædiatrica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.772
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1651-2227
pISSN - 0803-5253
DOI - 10.1111/j.1651-2227.2005.tb01838.x
Subject(s) - medicine , mental health , physical activity , psychiatry , physical therapy
According to a study by Parfitt and Eston, physical activity was positively associated with child mental health and self‐esteem. In this commentary, gender differences, causal links and implications for prevention are discussed. Conclusion: The relationship between physical activity and mental health is not as simple as to say that activity will invariably lead to improved mental health. For youngsters to be engaged in physical exercise, it is important that the needs of the particular child be taken into account. Forced and frightening activities should be avoided. The context should be one of enjoyment rather than of harsh discipline and skill‐dependent games where many children are apt to fail.