The association between physical activity and perceived stress among adolescents: the serial mediating roles of social-emotional competence and prosocial behavior

Background

Adolescence is a critical developmental period characterized by heightened vulnerability to stress. Stressors such as academic demands, interpersonal relationships, and the family environment may intensify perceived stress (PS). Physical activity (PA) has been associated with adolescents' appraisal of and coping with stressful events, potentially in relation to psychosocial resources. This study examined the association between PA and PS and investigated the potential roles of social-emotional competence (SEC) and prosocial behavior (PB).