Protective Factors Against Social Exclusion in Adolescents: Physical Condition and Physical Activity

<b>Background:</b> Social exclusion in children and adolescents can lead to negative effects such as anxiety, low self-esteem, and academic difficulties. Physical activity and good physical condition could act as protective factors by promoting social integration and emotional well-being...

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Main Authors: Josune Rodríguez-Negro, Javier Murillo-Moraño, Ángel Garrido, Antonio J. Rodríguez-Hidalgo, Juan de Dios Benítez-Sillero
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-05-01
Series:Children
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9067/12/5/635
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author Josune Rodríguez-Negro
Javier Murillo-Moraño
Ángel Garrido
Antonio J. Rodríguez-Hidalgo
Juan de Dios Benítez-Sillero
author_facet Josune Rodríguez-Negro
Javier Murillo-Moraño
Ángel Garrido
Antonio J. Rodríguez-Hidalgo
Juan de Dios Benítez-Sillero
author_sort Josune Rodríguez-Negro
collection DOAJ
description <b>Background:</b> Social exclusion in children and adolescents can lead to negative effects such as anxiety, low self-esteem, and academic difficulties. Physical activity and good physical condition could act as protective factors by promoting social integration and emotional well-being. <b>Methods:</b> The aim of this study was to analyse whether participation in physical activity and good physical fitness test protect against social exclusion in adolescents aged 12 to 19. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with 876 adolescents, assessing physical activity, physical fitness test (EUROFIT), BMI, and social exclusion (both subtle and manifest) through questionnaires and physical tests. Spearman correlations, ANOVA, and stepwise regression analysis were applied. <b>Results:</b> Adolescents who participated in organised physical activities, such as team sports, opposition, or contact sports, showed lower levels of both manifest and subtle exclusion. Aerobic endurance, age, abdominal strength, and gender were predictors of manifest exclusion, while aerobic endurance, age, and participation in organised physical activities predicted subtle exclusion. <b>Conclusions:</b> Physical condition and participation in physical activity protect against social exclusion. Taking part in competitive team activities involving contact and opposition is associated with lower levels of exclusion. It is essential to promote strategies that enhance inclusion and well-being among young people.
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spelling doaj-art-ffb2f09865ca4325898376882c4f1fa02025-08-20T02:33:38ZengMDPI AGChildren2227-90672025-05-0112563510.3390/children12050635Protective Factors Against Social Exclusion in Adolescents: Physical Condition and Physical ActivityJosune Rodríguez-Negro0Javier Murillo-Moraño1Ángel Garrido2Antonio J. Rodríguez-Hidalgo3Juan de Dios Benítez-Sillero4Department of Physical Education and Sport, Faculty of Education and Sport, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 01007 Vitoria-Gasteiz, SpainTeacher Training College “Sagrado Corazón”, University of Cordoba, 14006 Cordoba, SpainDepartment of Physical Education and Sports, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, SpainDepartment of Psychology, University of Córdoba, 14071 Cordoba, SpainResearch Group in Sport and Physical Education for Personal and Social Development (GIDEPSO), University of Córdoba, 14071 Cordoba, Spain<b>Background:</b> Social exclusion in children and adolescents can lead to negative effects such as anxiety, low self-esteem, and academic difficulties. Physical activity and good physical condition could act as protective factors by promoting social integration and emotional well-being. <b>Methods:</b> The aim of this study was to analyse whether participation in physical activity and good physical fitness test protect against social exclusion in adolescents aged 12 to 19. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with 876 adolescents, assessing physical activity, physical fitness test (EUROFIT), BMI, and social exclusion (both subtle and manifest) through questionnaires and physical tests. Spearman correlations, ANOVA, and stepwise regression analysis were applied. <b>Results:</b> Adolescents who participated in organised physical activities, such as team sports, opposition, or contact sports, showed lower levels of both manifest and subtle exclusion. Aerobic endurance, age, abdominal strength, and gender were predictors of manifest exclusion, while aerobic endurance, age, and participation in organised physical activities predicted subtle exclusion. <b>Conclusions:</b> Physical condition and participation in physical activity protect against social exclusion. Taking part in competitive team activities involving contact and opposition is associated with lower levels of exclusion. It is essential to promote strategies that enhance inclusion and well-being among young people.https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9067/12/5/635social exclusionEUROFITadolescents
spellingShingle Josune Rodríguez-Negro
Javier Murillo-Moraño
Ángel Garrido
Antonio J. Rodríguez-Hidalgo
Juan de Dios Benítez-Sillero
Protective Factors Against Social Exclusion in Adolescents: Physical Condition and Physical Activity
Children
social exclusion
EUROFIT
adolescents
title Protective Factors Against Social Exclusion in Adolescents: Physical Condition and Physical Activity
title_full Protective Factors Against Social Exclusion in Adolescents: Physical Condition and Physical Activity
title_fullStr Protective Factors Against Social Exclusion in Adolescents: Physical Condition and Physical Activity
title_full_unstemmed Protective Factors Against Social Exclusion in Adolescents: Physical Condition and Physical Activity
title_short Protective Factors Against Social Exclusion in Adolescents: Physical Condition and Physical Activity
title_sort protective factors against social exclusion in adolescents physical condition and physical activity
topic social exclusion
EUROFIT
adolescents
url https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9067/12/5/635
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