The Relationships between Financial Literacy with Mental Health of Adolescents: Mediating Role of Physical Activity

Introduction: Adolescent mental health has emerged as a critical issue in global public health, garnering significant attention from both the public and professionals. Furthermore, the essential role of physical activity (PA), known to significantly influence mental well-being, has not been investigated within this framework.
Objective: This study aimed to examine the relationships between financial literacy (FL) and adolescent mental health, while also considering the mediating effect of PA.
Methods: This study used a descriptive-correlational method using a structural equation modelling. A total of 384 adolescents (mean age = 16.85), comprising 192 boys and 192 girls, were chosen through convenience sampling. To evaluate the research variables, standardized assessment tools were utilized. The analysis was conducted using the Smart PLS statistical software version 4.
Results: The path analysis results indicate a significant positive structural relationship between mental health (P=0.000, t=9.35, b=0.46) and the PA (P=0.000, t=5.86, b=0.30) in relation to FL. Additionally, a significant positive structural relationship exists between the PA and mental health (P=0.000, t=4.18, b=0.26). Also, the results indicate that PA serves as a significant mediating factor in the relationship between the FL and mental health, with a p-value of 0.000, a t-value of 3.82, and a b coefficient of 0.12.
Conclusion: Individuals with limited FL may struggle to make sound financial choices, and the prevalence of various subscription services and easily accessible consumer loans can exacerbate the risk of significant mental distress.