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Faculty of Graduate Studies

Charlotte Grace Grant

  • B.Kin. (Camosun College, 2024)
Notice of the Final Oral Examination for the Degree of Master of Science

Topic

Understanding the Perceived Relationship Between Physical Activity and Mental Health in Adolescents: A Follow-Up to the Adolescents’ Daily Lives (ADL) Study

School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education

Date & location

  • Thursday, May 7, 2026
  • 10:30 A.M.
  • McKinnon Building, Room 0025

Examining Committee

Supervisory Committee

  • Dr. Jean Buckler, School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education, University of Victoria (Supervisor)
  • Dr. Braeden McKenzie, School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education, UVic (Member)
  • Dr. Megan Ames, Department of Psychology, UVic (Outside Member)

External Examiner

  • Dr. Brianna Turner, Department of Psychology, UVic

Chair of Oral Examination

  • Dr. Tobias Junginger, Department of Physics and Astronomy, UVic

Abstract

Adolescence is a critical stage of human development when lifelong patterns of physical and mental health begin to take shape. Current adolescents’ levels of physical activity and mental health are lower than those of prior generations. Existing research, primarily quantitative in nature, has identified strong associations between physical activity and improved mental health. Though few studies have employed a qualitative design to incorporate adolescents’ perspectives into the robust body of evidence. The primary objective of this study was to explore the barriers and facilitators that influence physical activity engagement among adolescents who report symptoms of anxiety and depression and who do not meet the physical activity recommendations based on the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines. The sample was recruited through a secondary analysis of data from the Adolescents’ Daily Lives (ADL) study. The ADL study observed adolescents’ daily movement and mental health through wearable devices and baseline and intensive longitudinal survey data. Using a qualitative descriptive design for the current study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with a subset of participants (N = 13) experiencing both elevated mental health symptoms and low physical activity levels. Through reflexive thematic analysis, three themes were generated: (1) intrapersonal barriers, exploring participants’ mental health and daily routines, (2) interpersonal barriers, including coach and team dynamics, and (3) facilitators to physical activity engagement, such as social support and a sense of enjoyment. Participants described their perception of physical activity and mental health as bidirectional, with each one impacting the other in their daily lives. Findings highlight the importance of implementing youth-centred, autonomy-supportive, and socially inclusive physical activity environments to improve adolescent engagement in physical activity.

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