Popis: |
Purpose: The associations of screen-time (ST) and physical activity (PA) with adolescent mental health are largely well-established. However, there is limited and inconsistent evidence for the ST, PA, and anxiety relationship. Methods: We cross-sectionally examined associations between anxiety symptoms with various ST modes and PA levels. Participants (n=1756, n=995 female) living in the Republic of Ireland completed self-report questionnaires assessing individual ST modes (watching TV, using a computer for fun and using a smartphone), PA levels (low, moderate, and high) and anxiety symptoms were measured by the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Multiple linear regressions investigated associations between ST modes and anxiety symptoms while controlling for covariates. We stratified the sample according to PA level and gender to assess their impact on the ST-anxiety relationship. Results: Computer (β=0.094 p≤0.001) and phone use (β=0.084, p≤0.002) were associated with higher anxiety symptoms. TV viewing was not associated with anxiety symptoms. PA level appeared to moderate the association between phone use and anxiety symptoms, such that those with higher PA levels had no observable associations between phone use and anxiety symptoms. No moderating effect was observed for computer use in the full sample or for males but was observed in females. Conclusions: These differential findings highlight the complex nature of these associations among adolescents. Prospective studies of the relationship between screen-time and physical activity with anxiety are needed. |