Open Access

ARTICLE

Association between Meeting 24-Hour Movement Guidelines and Psychological Features of Chinese Emerging Adults

by Yanjie Zhang^1,2, Jin Kuang³, Xun Luo^1,2, Mengxian Zhao⁴, Xiaolei Liu^5,*

1 Physical Education Unit, School of Humanities and Social Science, Chinese University of Hong Kong–Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518172, China
2 Physical Activity and Health Promotion Laboratory, Chinese University of Hong Kong–Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518172, China
3 Body-Brain-Mind Laboratory, School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
4 School of Physical Education, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
5 Chinese Traditional Regimen Exercise Intervention Research Center, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, 100084, China

* Corresponding Author: Xiaolei Liu. Email:

International Journal of Mental Health Promotion 2024, 26(5), 399-406. https://doi.org/10.32604/ijmhp.2024.048925

Received 21 December 2023; Accepted 04 March 2024; Issue published 30 May 2024

Abstract

Background: Emerging adulthood is a pivotal life stage, presenting significant psychological and social changes, such as decreased sociability, depression, and other mental health problems. Previous studies have associated these changes with an unhealthy lifestyle. The 24-h movement guidelines for healthy lifestyles have been developed to promote appropriate health behaviors and improve individual wellness. However, the relationship between adherence to the 24-h movement guidelines and different characteristics of Chinese emerging adults is yet to be explored. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the association between adherence to the 24-h movement guidelines and four characteristics (self-exploration, instability, possibilities, and responsibility) of Chinese emerging adults. Methods: Overall, 1,510 Chinese emerging adults aged 18–29 years were included in this study. Each participant completed a self-administered questionnaire that included questions on adherence to the 24-h movement guidelines (physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep) and the inventory of dimensions of emerging adulthood. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was employed to investigate the associations between adherence to the 24-h movement guidelines and each of the four characteristics. Results: The proportion of participants who adhered to the 24-h movement guidelines was 31.72%. Multiple regression analysis revealed a significantly negative relationship between adhering to more guidelines and instability (β = −0.51, p < 0.001). A statistically significant association was observed between instability and meeting only sedentary behavior (β = −1.27, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [−2.32, −0.24], p = 0.02), sedentary behavior + sleep (β = −1.30, 95% CI: [−2.24, −0.35], p < 0.01), and physical activity + sedentary behavior (β = −1.08, 95% CI: [1.94, −0.21], p = 0.02) guidelines. Further, positive and significant associations were observed between possibilities and meeting the guidelines for only physical activity (β = 0.70, 95% CI: [0.14, 1.27), p = 0.01), only sleep (β = 0.61, 95% CI: [0.01, 1.21], p = 0.04), physical activity + sedentary behavior (β = 0.56, 95% CI: [0.04, 1.07), p = 0.01), and physical activity + sleep (β = 0.76, 95% CI: [0.23, 1.27], p = 0.01). Conclusions: These findings suggest that adherence to the 24-h movement guidelines was associated with instability in Chinese emerging adults. Future studies are warranted to verify our findings to highlight the importance of maintaining a heath lifestyle to promote health in emerging adulthood.

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