Associations between Mindfulness, Social Anxiety, Depression, Self-efficacy, and Physical Activity Participation among Obese Teenage Girls

The relationship between mindfulness and the repercussions of obesity, particularly in girls, has received limited attention. Consequently, the current research aimed to explore the correlation between mindfulness and social anxiety, depression, self-efficacy, and physical activity (PA) participation in obese teenage girls.

The research was a descriptive-correlational study conducted from October 2022 to May 2023 in Tehran, Iran. The statistical population for this study comprised obese teenage girls aged 13 to 15 attending their first secondary school. The study sample consisted of 384 obese teenage girls selected through convenience sampling. Standard instruments were employed to assess mindfulness, social anxiety, depression, self-efficacy, and PA participation. Data analysis was performed using the Pearson correlation test and ANOVA, facilitated by SPSS version 26.

The results indicated that, on average, participants engaged in 13.01±3.02 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) daily. Furthermore, teenage girls exhibited relatively high levels of social anxiety (mean=39.79±8.85) and depression (mean=9.55±2.67). Moreover, there were significant correlations between mindfulness and reduced levels of social anxiety and depression (both P<0.001). Finally, significant associations were observed between mindfulness, higher self-efficacy, and increased PA (P<0.001).

These findings suggested a link between mindfulness and reducing the adverse consequences of obesity in teenage girls. In this regard, reinforcing mindfulness practices can prove an effective way for reducing anxiety and depression. Such practices may encompass meditation, mindful breathing, mindful observation, attention to the surrounding environment, heightened awareness, and mindful listening.