Analyzing longitudinal changes in physical activity, self-esteem, and depression among male adolescents: evidence from the 2018–2022 Korean children and youth panel survey

Background: This study investigated longitudinal changes in physical activity, self-esteem, and depression among Korean male adolescents to explore implications for long-term adolescent health and well-being. Methods: Data were drawn from the Korean Children and Youth Panel Surveys from 2018 to 2022. Results: The results revealed that all three indicators—physical activity, self-esteem, and depression symptoms—worsened over time. However, no significant differences were observed in physical activity between 2020 and 2021, in self-esteem between 2021 and 2022, or in depression between 2020 and 2021 or 2021 and 2022. Quadratic trajectories best fit the data across all variables, indicating nonlinear developmental patterns. Male adolescents with higher initial scores showed steeper early declines, whereas those with slower initial decreases exhibited steeper declines later. Conclusions: These findings suggest that Korean male adolescents experience progressive deterioration in physical, psychological, and emotional health as they grow older. Promoting long-term adolescent health and well-being requires continuous monitoring and targeted strategies that promote physical activity, strengthen self-esteem, and support mental well-being throughout adolescence.

Adolescent boys; Depression; Latent growth modeling; Physical activity; Self-esteem

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