Physical Literacy Linked to Mental Health in Adults

Strategic Insights -

A study published in the Journal of Sports Sciences has revealed a link between physical literacy and mental health in adults. Researchers at the University of Canberra compared physical literacy levels in adults with and without mental health diagnoses, finding that those with diagnosed disorders had lower physical literacy. The study also identified a weak negative correlation between physical literacy and psychological distress, suggesting that higher distress is associated with lower physical literacy.

Key Takeaways:

  • Physical literacy, which encompasses physical, psychological, cognitive, and social well-being, is lower in adults experiencing poor mental health.
  • Adults with diagnosed mental health disorders have lower physical literacy compared to those without mental health diagnoses.
  • Correlation analysis identified a weak negative correlation between physical literacy and psychological distress, indicating that higher distress is associated with lower physical literacy.
  • The study highlights the need for future research to examine the role of mental health symptomology and other mediating variables in the relationship between mental health and physical literacy.
  • The research was conducted by Richard Keegan, Annaleise Naylor, Kristy Martin, and Andrew Flood from the Research Institute for Sport and Exercise at the University of Canberra.
  • Physical literacy levels were assessed using the Physical Literacy for Adults Scale, and psychological distress was measured using the Kessler 10.

Statistics:

  • 59 adults with diagnosed mental health disorders were included in the study.
  • 179 adults without mental health diagnoses were included in the study.
  • The correlation coefficient between physical literacy and psychological distress was -0.25, indicating a weak negative correlation.
  • The study found that adults with diagnosed mental health disorders had a mean physical literacy score of 3.5, while those without mental health diagnoses had a mean physical literacy score of 4.2.

Sources:

  • Physical literacy and adult mental health: A cross-sectional survey study. Journal of Sports Sciences, 2025:1-7, Taylor & Francis Ltd.
  • University of Canberra Research Institute for Sport and Exercise, Canberra, Australia.