Adolescents’ Experiences of Facilitators for and Barriers to Maintaining Exercise 12 Months after a Group-Based Intervention for Depression

Evelina Sunesson, Emma Haglund, Ann Bremander, Håkan Jarbin and Ingrid Larsson
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Evelina Sunesson: Center of Research on Welfare, Health and Sport, School of Health and Welfare, Halmstad University, SE-30118 Halmstad, Sweden
Emma Haglund: Spenshult Research and Development Centre, SE-30274 Halmstad, Sweden
Ann Bremander: Spenshult Research and Development Centre, SE-30274 Halmstad, Sweden
Håkan Jarbin: Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, SE-22184 Lund, Sweden
Ingrid Larsson: Center of Research on Welfare, Health and Sport, School of Health and Welfare, Halmstad University, SE-30118 Halmstad, Sweden

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 10, 1-11

Abstract: Exercise can improve health among adolescents with depression. Understanding facilitators for and barriers to maintaining exercise among adolescents with depression may increase adherence to exercise and consequently improve health. The aim was to explore adolescents’ experiences of facilitators for and barriers to maintaining exercise after a group-based exercise intervention for depression. Interviews ( n = 14) were conducted 12 months after the exercise intervention. A qualitative content analysis was used to extract facilitators and barriers. Facilitators for maintaining exercise among adolescents with depression were (1) greater self-esteem by having companionship while exercising and by achieving exercise results and (2) having a supportive environment in terms of accessibility and coaching. Barriers to maintaining exercise were (1) disease burden due to fatigue, social anxiety, and a lack of drive, and (2) lack of a supportive environment including a lack of social support, as well as structural support. In conclusion, facilitating enhanced self-esteem and continuous support for exercising are important for adolescents with depression to maintain exercise. The disease burden of depression is a substantial barrier that needs to be considered to maintain exercise. The findings can contribute to the development of services that promote and coordinate exercise as a treatment among adolescents with depression.

Keywords: adolescents; facilitators; barriers; depression; exercise (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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