Vol. 46 No. 1 (2014), Sport and Exercise Psychology Abstracts
Vol. 46 No. 1 (2014)

Does coping style modify the link between depressive symptoms and physical activity in early adulthood?

Sport and Exercise Psychology Abstracts
Published 2014-11-15
Erin K Wing
School of Human Kinetics, University of Ottawa
Jennifer Brunet
School of Human Kinetics, University of Ottawa
Catherine M Sabiston
Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Toronto
Mathieu Bélanger
Department of Family Medicine, University of Sherbrooke
Jennifer L O'Loughlin
University of Montreal

Abstract

Despite increased interest in the relationship between depressive symptoms and physical activity, few researchers have examined factors that may moderate this relationship. It was hypothesized that a task-oriented coping style would attenuate the negative effect of depressive symptoms on physical activity, whereas avoidance- and emotion-oriented coping styles would increase the negative effect of depressive symptoms. These hypotheses were examined in this cross-sectional study by testing if task-, avoidance-, and emotion-oriented coping styles moderate the relationship between depressive symptoms and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). The sample included 818 young adults (mean age = 24.0, SD = .7 years; 44% male) participating in the Nicotine Dependence in Teens (NDIT) study. Data were collected in self-report questionnaires (i.e., Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations, Major Depression Inventory, International Physical Activity Questionnaire). MVPA was dichotomized as not meeting MVPA guidelines of 150 minutes per week versus meeting guidelines. The moderating effects of coping styles were tested in a moderated logistic regression model following Aiken and West’s (1991) recommendation. A single regression model was tested to control for the effects of the other coping styles, which had low to moderate correlations (r = -.04-.40). Main effects were noted for depressive symptoms (OR = .81, 95%; CI = .68-.97) and task-oriented coping style (OR = 1.43; 95% CI = 1.20-1.71). There were no significant moderating effects for any of the coping styles. Results do not support the hypothesis that coping styles moderate the relationship between depressive symptoms and MVPA in young adults. Considering the negative relationship between depressive symptoms and MVPA, more research is needed to identify factors that may buffer the negative effect of depressive symptoms on physical activity. 

Acknowledgments: Funding: Financial support for the Nicotine Dependence in Teens (NDIT) study was provided by the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS).