Self-esteem mediates the association of leisure activities with adolescents’ mental health difficulties and prosocial behavior: Evidence from a UK-representative cohort

Abstract

Research has shown that adolescents’ engagement in leisure activities is associated with self-esteem, mental health difficulties, and prosocial behavior, but limited research has explored their longitudinal association and potential mediation pathways. This study examined if self-esteem mediates the association between leisure activities and adolescents’ mental health difficulties and prosocial behavior. A secondary analysis of the Millennium Cohort Study data was conducted, examining leisure activities (at ages 14 and 17), self-esteem (at ages 14 and 17), and mental health difficulties and prosocial behavior (at age 17). Mediation analysis supported a significant pathway from leisure activities at age 14 to mental health difficulties at age 17 via self-esteem at age 14. Similarly, the pathway from leisure activities at age 14 to prosocial behavior at age 17 via self-esteem at age 14 was significant. Interventions aimed at increasing engagement in leisure activities may have beneficial effects on adolescents’ self-esteem, mental health, and positive social outcomes.