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The Influence of Physical Activity in the Relation Between Neighborhood Safety and Depressive Symptoms Among School-Age Children

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Abstract

Children living in unsafe neighborhoods are at risk of developing depressive symptoms. Therefore, it is important to examine factors that may buffer this relation in order to inform interventions for children residing in unsafe neighborhoods. This study examined the moderating role of physical activity in the relation between neighborhood safety and child depressive symptoms in a sample of 89 children (N = 50 males) ages 9 to 12 years old (M = 10.44; SD = 1.14). Data on depressive symptoms, physical activity, and neighborhood safety were gathered from caregiver and child reports. A significant interaction was found between physical activity and neighborhood safety, indicating that depressive symptoms were highest for those children who resided in less safe neighborhoods and did not participate in physical activity. Implications for future intervention are discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Clinical Child Psychology Program, University of Kansas, 2017 Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Ave, Lawrence, KS, 66045, USA

    Sonia L. Rubens & Paula J. Fite

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  1. Sonia L. Rubens
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  2. Paula J. Fite
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Correspondence to Sonia L. Rubens.

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Rubens, S.L., Fite, P.J. The Influence of Physical Activity in the Relation Between Neighborhood Safety and Depressive Symptoms Among School-Age Children. Child Ind Res 6, 23–32 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12187-012-9155-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12187-012-9155-5

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