Physical activity and well-being among early-adolescents,L'attivit`a fisica e il benessere tra i preadolescenti

The present study is aimed at understanding the effects of an active life style on global health in a peculiar phase of life: early-adolescence. In particular we want to study if the association of physical activity with well-being is direct or mediated by self-efficacy. Data are drawn from "Health Behaviour in School-aged Children" (HBSC) survey, which is a cross national study coordinated by WHO. The representative sample is composed by 6431 students of age 11, 13 and 15 years old. Result show that frequency of physical activity is higher for boys than for girls, and it decreases after the age of 13, Moderate physical activity is associated with better well-being outcomes, both in terms of absence of physical and psychological complains and better satisfaction for life. Moreover, considering the role of self efficacy, we've found that it can be considered a mediator between physical activity and well-being.