Peer-reviewed article

Associations between parent-adolescent sports participation and depression among Chinese youth: a serial mediation model of the parent-adolescent relationship and academic difficulty.

Bi Y · 29 May 2026

Abstract

Background Adolescent depression is a major public health concern, particularly in educational contexts characterized by high academic pressure. This study examined the association between parent-adolescent sports participation (PSP) and adolescent depression, with attention to the serial mediating roles of the parent-adolescent relationship (PR) and academic difficulty (AD). Methods Using cross-sectional data from the China Education Panel Survey (CEPS), the analysis included 16,984 early adolescents, including 8,560 males and 8,424 females. PSP, PR, AD, and depression were assessed using self-reported measures. Data were analyzed using Model 6 of the PROCESS Macro in SPSS 26.0. Results PSP was negatively associated with depression, β = -0.08, p < 0.001, 95% CI [-0.10, -0.07]. PR was also negatively associated with depression, β = -0.21, p < 0.001, whereas AD was positively associated with depression, β = 0.18, p < 0.001, 95% CI [0.16, 0.19]. The serial indirect association between PSP and depression via PR and AD was statistically significant, indirect effect = -0.01, 95% CI [-0.006, -0.004]. Conclusion These findings highlight the relevance of family-based sports participation, parent-adolescent relationships, and academic experiences in understanding depression among Chinese adolescents.