The Association between Physical Activity and Mental Health in Ontario Youth: Barriers to Access in a Gender Diverse Sample

Research has shown that physical activity has been associated with improved well-being, reduced depressive symptoms and higher self-concept (Dale et al., 2019). Beyond its physiological benefits, participation in physical activity may also shape wellbeing by increasing resilience and self-care, fostering social connection and autonomy (Eime et al., 2013). Access to and experiences in physical activity settings are not the same for all youth. Gender identity may influence engagement in physical activity and levels of wellbeing due to social norms, inclusion and exclusion, and structural barriers (Parchem et al., 2024). Accordingly, this study will examine main effects of physical activity on wellbeing; the main effect of gender on wellbeing as well as the moderation of physical activity by gender. Understanding these relationships can inform more inclusive physical activity initiatives and promotion strategies tailored to diverse youth populations. References: Dale, L. P., Vanderloo, L., Moore, S., & Faulkner, G. (2019). Physical activity and depression, anxiety, and self-esteem in children and youth: An umbrella systematic review. Mental Health and Physical Activity, 16, 66–79. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mhpa.2018.12.001 Eime, R. M., Young, J. A., Harvey, J. T., Charity, M. J., & Payne, W. R. (2013). A systematic review of the psychological and social benefits of participation in sport for children and adolescents: Informing development of a conceptual model of Health Through Sport. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 10(1), 98. https://doi.org/10.1186/1479-5868-10-98 Parchem, B., Poquiz, J., Rahm-Knigge, R. L., Panetta, E., Watson, R. J., & Nic Rider, G. (2024). Barriers to participation in organized physical activity among LGBTQ+ youth: Differences by sexual, gender, and racial identities. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 21(7), 698–706. https://doi.org/10.1123/jpah.2023-0652