Abstract:

The aim of this study was to examine the predictive effect of physical activity on adolescents’ psychological well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic era. A total of 1041 (560 female, 481 male) high school students participated in the study using convenience sampling method. In the 2021-2022 academic year, when schools are opened after the lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions necessary permissions were obtained. Participants were filled the questionnaire pack assessing students' depression, happiness, subjective vitality, physical activity, mental well-being, and life satisfaction was applied during physical education and sports lesson. During data collection, students completed the questionnaire pack keeping the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions in mind. Simple linear regression analysis was used to determine the predictive effect of physical activity on each psychological health variable. Adolescents’ physical activity level had a significant positive predictive effect on mental well-being, subjective vitality, and happiness levels, while there was no significant predictive effect on depression or life satisfaction levels. This study is important for physical education teachers, teacher training institutions, and the Ministry of National Education because it demonstrates the positive effect of physical activity on important components of psychological health even in extreme conditions such as pandemics.

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