Katie E. Gunnell

Examining the bidirectional relationship between physical activity, screen time, and symptoms of anxiety and depression over time during adolescence

More physical activity (PA) and less screen time (ST) are positively associated with mental health in adolescents; however, research is limited by short-term designs and the exclusion of ST when examining PA. We examined: (a) changes in PA, ST, symptoms of depression, and symptoms of anxiety over four assessments spanning 11years, and (b) bidirectional relationships between initial PA, ST, and symptoms of depression and anxiety as predictors of change in each other during adolescence. Between 2006 and 2010, participants from Ottawa Canada (Time1; N=1160, Mean age=13.54years) completed questionnaires at four points covering the ages from 10 to 21years. Latent growth modeling was used. PA decreased over time whereas ST and symptoms of depression and anxiety increased over time. Controlling for sex, ethnicity, school location, zBMI, birth year, and parents education, initially higher anxiety was associated with initially higher ST (covariance=.88, p<.05) and initially lower PA (covariance=-6.84, p=.07) independent of initial symptoms of depression. Higher initial depression was associated with higher initial ST (covariance=2.55, p<.05). Increases in anxiety were associated with increases in ST (covariance=.07, p=.06) and increases in depression (covariance=.41, p<.05). Examining bidirectional relationships, higher initial symptoms of depression predicted greater decreases in PA (b=-.28, p<.05). No other significant findings between initial PA, ST, anxiety, or depression were found as predictors of change in each other. Interventions targeting depression around age 13 may be useful to prevent further declines in PA. Similarly, interventions to reduce ST may be beneficial for concurrent reductions in symptoms of depression and anxiety, irrespective of PA.

A tale of two models: changes in psychological need satisfaction and physical activity over 3 years

OBJECTIVEn(a) Examine longitudinal measurement invariance of scores from psychological need satisfaction (PNS) scales, and (b) examine if changes in PNS were associated with change in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA).nnnMETHODnAdolescents (N = 842, Mage = 10.8, SD = .6) enrolled in the Monitoring Activities of Teenagers to Comprehend their Habits (MATCH) study completed measures of PNS and MVPA every 4 months over a 3-year period (2011-14) for a total of 9 times.nnnRESULTSnPNS scores demonstrated strong longitudinal measurement invariance (i.e., invariant factor loadings and intercepts). Latent growth curve modeling indicated that a factor representing perceptions of all 3 PNS variables was positively associated with MVPA at Time 1 (β = .562, p < .05), and that increases in the common PNS factor were associated with increases in MVPA (β = .545, p < .05) with a large effect size (Rinitial MVPA2 = .316; Rchange in MVPA2 = .301). In an alternative model, MVPA at Time 1 was associated with perceived common PNS at Time 1 (β = .602, p < .001), and increases in MVPA were associated with increases in common PNS (β = .667, p < .001) with a large effect size (Rinitial PNS2 = .363 of the Rchange in PNS2 = .426).nnnCONCLUSIONSnLongitudinal measurement invariance was supported, and therefore PNS scores could be used to study change over time. Further, 2 equally well fitting models were found suggesting that change in PNS can be both an antecedent and an outcome of MVPA. As such, both PNS and MVPA could be targeted in interventions aimed at increasing need satisfaction or MVPA.

A review of some emergent quantitative analyses in sport and exercise psychology

ABSTRACT The purpose of this manuscript is to provide a review of some key quantitative methods that are relevant to contemporary quantitative research in sport and exercise psychology. To achieve this purpose we provide a critical review of four quantitative methods that we believe are emergent in the sport and exercise psychology literature. The first quantitative method reviewed is sample size determination and power estimation in structural equation modelling. [Satorra, A., & Saris, W. E. (1985). Power of the likelihood ratio test in covariance structure analysis. Psychometrika, 50, 83–90. doi:10.1007/BF02294150]. The second quantitative method reviewed is exploratory structural equation modelling [Asparouhov, T., & Muthén, B. (2009). Exploratory structural equation modeling. Structural Equation Modeling: A Multidisciplinary Journal, 16, 397–438. doi:10.1080/10705510903008204]. The third quantitative method reviewed is mixture modelling [McLachlan, G., & Peel, D. (2000). Finite mixture models. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons]. The final quantitative method reviewed is Bayesian structural equation modelling [Muthén, B., & Asparouhov, T. (2012). Bayesian structural equation modeling: A more flexible representation of substantive theory. Psychological Methods, 17, 313–335. doi:10.1037/a0026802]. We begin each review with an overview of the methodology, followed by a summary of one or more related applications in sport and exercise psychology research, and conclude with some ideas for possible future applications in sport and exercise psychology.

Should we be looking at the forest or the trees? Overall psychological need satisfaction and individual needs as predictors of physical activity

The objectives of this study were to examine whether (a) measures designed to assess satisfaction of competence, autonomy, and relatedness needs in physical activity contexts can represent both general and specific needs satisfaction and (b) the specific needs are associated with concurrent moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) participation (Time 1) and MVPA participation 4 months later (Time 2), beyond general psychological need satisfaction (PNS). Data from 544 adolescents (Mage = 14.1 years, SD = 0.6) were analyzed. A bifactor model specifying four factors (i.e., one general PNS and three specific needs) provided a good fit to the data. Extending the model to predict Time 1 and Time 2 MVPA participation also provided a good fit to the data. General PNS and specific needs had unique and empirically distinguishable associations with MVPA participation. The bifactor operationalization of PNS provides a framework to delineate common and distinctive antecedents and outcomes of general PNS and specific needs.

Measurement Invariance of the Passion Scale Across Three Samples: An ESEM Approach

Sport and exercise psychology researchers rely on the Passion Scale to assess levels of harmonious and obsessive passion for many different types of activities (Vallerand, 2010). However, this practice assumes that items from the Passion Scale are interpreted with the same meaning across all activity types. Using exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM), we tested this assumption by examining the invariance of scores from the Passion Scale across groups of recreational athletes/exercisers (N = 562), competitive athletes (N = 438), and sports fans (N = 256). We found that the ESEM analysis fit the data better than the more common independent clusters confirmatory factor analysis (ICM-CFA) approach and yielded lower correlations between harmonious and obsessive passion factors. Using ESEM, we found evidence of configural, weak, and partial strong invariance across the three groups. Evidence of partial strong invariance provides tentative support for comparing levels of harmonious and obsessive passion across activities.

Land of confusion: unpacking the relationship between physical activity and well-being in individuals living with osteoporosis

ABSTRACT Whether physical activity is linked with improvements in well-being in individuals living with osteoporosis remains a source of debate within the literature. The purpose of this review is to synthesize relevant literature to more fully address the relationship between physical activity and well-being in individuals living with osteoporosis. Guided by study inclusion criteria, a total of 17 quantitative studies were coded for review. Considerable heterogeneity was found between studies when examining the well-being instrumentation and physical activity characteristics used by study authors. A central finding was that physical activity is associated with increased well-being across the bulk of existing studies retained for analysis, with benefits noted particularly for markers linked to physical functioning. This review further highlights how decisions made by researchers have implications for study conclusions and can render any synthesis of this literature a challenge. As such, recommendations for future studies are advanced that span issues linked to the measurement and conceptualization of well-being and physical activity and the analytic decisions made by researchers. Finally, heightened attention to the mechanisms through which physical activity may be linked with well-being outcomes is needed. Given the importance of well-being outcomes, researchers are encouraged to adopt these recommendations in an effort to advance the literature.

Eudaimonic Well-being: A Gendered Perspective

In this chapter we attempt to present a nuanced approach to eudaimonic wellbeing by considering it from a gendered perspective. Beginning with a discussion on two traditions of wellbeing – hedonic and eudaimonic – we briefly overview some literature on the similarities and differences for women and men on indices of wellbeing. Stemming from the position that gender differences in wellbeing are generally equivocal, we consider key methodological and philosophical issues that may enhance our knowledge on eudaimonic wellbeing from a gendered perspective. The development and validation of psychometrically sound measurement instruments – including examination of gender invariance – openness to explore eudaimonic wellbeing from a more social constructivist philosophical worldview, and embracing a fluid conceptualization of gender have merit for advancing this research area and furthering our understanding of wellbeing from a gendered perspective.

Measuring Perceived Barriers to Physical Activity in Adolescents.

BACKGROUNDnPerceived barriers to moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (PA) may contribute to the low rates of moderate-to-vigorous PA in adolescents. We examined the psychometric properties of scores from the perceived barriers to moderate-to-vigorous PA scale (PB-MVPA) by examining composite reliability and validity evidence based on the internal structure of the PB-MVPA and relations with other variables.nnnMETHODSnThis study was a cross-sectional analysis of data collected in 2013 from adolescents (N = 507; Mage = 12.40, SD = .62) via self-report scales.nnnRESULTSnUsing exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, we found that perceived barriers were best represented as two factors representing internal (e.g., I am not interested in physical activity) and external (e.g., I need equipment I dont have) dimensions. Composite reliability was over .80. Using multiple regression to examine the relationship between perceived barriers and moderate-to-vigorous PA, we found that perceived internal barriers were inversely related to moderate-to-vigorous PA (β = -.32, p < .05). Based on results of the analysis of variances, there were no known-group sex differences for perceived internal and external barriers (p > .26).nnnCONCLUSIONSnThe PB-MVPA scale demonstrated evidence of score reliability and validity. To improve the understanding of the impact of perceived barriers on moderate-to- vigorous PA in adolescents, researchers should examine internal and external barriers separately.

Out with the old, in with the new: Assessing change in screen time when measurement changes over time

We examined if screen time can be assessed over time when the measurement protocol has changed to reflect advances in technology. Beginning in 2011, 929 youth (9–12 years at time one) living in in New Brunswick (Canada) self-reported the amount of time spent watching television (cycles 1–13), using computers (cycles 1–13), and playing video games (cycles 3–13). Using longitudinal invariance to test a shifting indicators model of screen time, we found that the relationships between the latent variable reflecting overall screen time and the indicators used to assess screen time were invariant across cycles (weak invariance). We also found that 31 out of 37 indicator intercepts were invariant, meaning that most indicators were answered similarly (i.e., on the same metric) across cycles (partial strong invariance), and that 28 out of 37 indicator residuals were invariant indicating that similar sources of error were present over time (partial strict invariance). Overall, across all survey cycles, 76% of indicators were fully invariant. Whereas issues were noted when new examples of screen-based technology (e.g., iPads) were added, having established partial invariance, we suggest it is still possible to assess change in screen time despite having changing indicators over time. Although it is not possible to draw definitive conclusions concerning other self-report measures of screen time, our findings may assist other researchers considering modifying self-report measures in longitudinal studies to reflect technological advancements and increase the precision of their results.

Moving Physical Activity Research: From Quality of Life to Positive Psychological Functioning in Individuals Living with Osteoporosis

Increased interest in the promotion of well-being has presented new opportunities for health researchers to investigate factors that enhance (or diminish) this optimal functional state. Physical activity has been advanced as one lifestyle behavior linked with increased well-being (Biddle SJH, Murtie N, Psychology of physical activity: determinants, well-being and interventions, 2nd edn. Routledge, London, 2008). Closer inspection of this literature, however, suggests that the relationship may be more complex than is portrayed. Therefore, the aim of this chapter is to provide an overview of the physical activity – well-being literature with evidence attesting to this relationship in individuals living with osteoporosis. In this overview, historical approaches linked to quality of life which have dominated the literature will first be documented. Evidence will then be extended to more contemporary approaches of well-being–namely those linked with feeling good and positive psychological functioning. A second focus will be recommendations for health researchers which address the specific limitations and gaps currently noted in the literature expressly designed to examine this relationship. Issues spanning conceptual problems, measurement issues and insight into mechanisms theorized to promote well-being are advanced and discussed. Given the importance of well-being outcomes, researchers are encouraged to adopt these recommendations in an effort to advance our understanding of well-being as it pertains to physical activity in individuals living with osteoporosis.