Preventif : Jurnal Kesehatan Masyarakat
Vol. 17 No. 2 (2026): Preventif : Jurnal Kesehatan Masyarakat

Correlation of Physical Activity with Adolescent Mental Health in Early High School

hanifah fatin (Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta)
ayu khoirotul umaroh (Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Aug 2026

Abstract

Adolescent mental health is an important issue because it affects emotional, social, and academic development, especially in the early days of high school. Physical activity is known to play a role in maintaining a balance of mental health. This study aims to determine the relationship between physical activity and mental health in early adolescents in one of the high schools in Boyolali Regency. This study uses an analytical quantitative design with a cross sectional approach. The study population was 324 students, with 275 students participating using the total sampling technique. Physical activity was measured using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ), while mental health was measured using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-42). Data analysis was carried out using the Spearman Rank correlation test. The results showed a significant relationship with the negative direction between physical activity and depression (p=0.002; r=-0.185), anxiety (p=0.010; r=-0.155), and stress (p=0.015; r=-0.147). These findings suggest that the higher the level of physical activity, the lower the rate of mental health disorders in adolescents. In conclusion, physical activity plays a protective factor for adolescent mental health, even though the strength of the relationship found is relatively weak.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

preventif

Publisher

Subject

Public Health

Description

Preventif Jurnal Kesehatan Masyarakat welcomes manuscripts that cover a broad range of topics within the public health discipline The journals scope encompasses but is not limited to the following key areas Health Administration and Policy The management organization and policy making processes ...