How Family Functioning and Exercise Frequency Predict Mental Health in Adolescents
Keywords:
Adolescent mental health, family functioning, exercise frequency, psychological well-being, regression analysis, TaiwanAbstract
This study aimed to examine how family functioning and exercise frequency predict mental health outcomes among adolescents in Taiwan. A correlational descriptive design was employed using a sample of 397 high school students selected based on Morgan and Krejcie’s sample size determination table. Participants completed three standardized instruments: the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) to assess mental health, the Family Assessment Device (FAD) to evaluate family functioning, and the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (GLTEQ) to measure exercise frequency. Data were analyzed using SPSS-27. Pearson correlation tests were used to assess bivariate relationships, and standard multiple linear regression was applied to evaluate the predictive value of the independent variables (family functioning and exercise frequency) on the dependent variable (mental health). All assumptions of linearity, normality, homoscedasticity, and multicollinearity were tested and satisfied. Pearson correlations revealed that mental health difficulties were positively correlated with poorer family functioning (r = .58, p < .01) and negatively correlated with exercise frequency (r = –.41, p < .01). Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that the overall model was statistically significant, F(2, 394) = 137.76, p < .01, with an R² of .41. Both family functioning (B = 5.93, β = .52, p < .01) and exercise frequency (B = –0.18, β = –.27, p < .01) were significant predictors of mental health outcomes. The study demonstrates that both family functioning and exercise frequency significantly and independently predict mental health in adolescents. These findings highlight the importance of promoting healthy family environments and regular physical activity as dual strategies for enhancing adolescent psychological well-being.
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