Correlates of Social Competences among Polish Adolescents: Physical Activity, Self-Esteem, Participation in Sports and Screen Time

Abstract

Adolescents’ social competences determine the effectiveness of social functioning. In the long term, a higher level of social competence increases readiness for university and increases the chance of achieving success in a professional career. The primary objective of this study is to examine the association between social competences and self-esteem, physical activity, screen time, and participation in sports among Polish adolescents. 106 adolescents completed the Social Competences Questionnaire (SCQ) and Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), as well as selected questions from the Health Behavior in School Aged Children (HBSC). Analysis of the study variables showed a moderate statistically significant relationship between social competences and self-esteem (rs = 0.55, p < 0.001). Statistical analysis also showed that adolescents who engage in moderate and vigorous physical activity (MVPA; ≥5 days/week) have significantly higher levels of social competences than adolescents with lower MVPA (Z = 3.50, p ˂ 0.001). No significant statistical association was found between social competences and screen time, or participation in sport. Hierarchical multiple regression also suggested that higher self-esteem and engaging in moderate and vigorous physical activity is positively associated with higher social competences among adolescents. Adolescents’ social competences are significantly associated with self-esteem and physical activity. The results can help those working with young people with social functioning difficulties in performing effective interventions and shaping policies.