Volume 13, Issue 2 (June 2026)
Avicenna J Neuro Psycho Physiology 2026, 13(2): 0-0 |
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Ethics code: IR.IAU.H.REC.1402.163
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Tanha Z. Structural Model of the Relationship Between Health Literacy and Physical Literacy with Mental Health in Girls at the Onset of Puberty: The Mediating Role of Self-Care Behaviors. Avicenna J Neuro Psycho Physiology 2026; 13 (2)
URL: http://ajnpp.umsha.ac.ir/article-1-571-en.html
URL: http://ajnpp.umsha.ac.ir/article-1-571-en.html
Department of Educational and Psychosocial Services, Khor. C., Islamic Azad University, Khorram Abad, Iran & Research Group on Play-Based Studies in Child Cognitive Psychology, Khor. C., Islamic Azad University, Khorram Abad, Iran , neginh637@gmail.com
Abstract: (9 Views)
Background and Objective: The onset of puberty is a critical developmental stage characterized by significant biological and psychological changes. This study aimed to develop and test a structural model of the relationship between health literacy, physical literacy, and mental health in girls at the onset of puberty, focusing on the mediating role of self-care behaviors.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive-correlational study employed structural equation modeling. The study population comprised girls aged 9–12 years in Khorramabad, Iran, during the 2025–2026 academic year. A sample of 384 participants was selected using multistage cluster sampling. Data were collected using the Health Literacy for Iranian Adults questionnaire, the Physical Literacy Questionnaire, the General Health Questionnaire, and a researcher-made self-care behaviors questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS 26 and AMOS 24.
Results: The structural model demonstrated an acceptable fit to the data ( , , , ). Health literacy ( , ) and physical literacy (, ) had significant positive direct effects on mental health. Furthermore, both health literacy ( ) and physical literacy ( ) significantly predicted self-care behaviors ( ). Self-care behaviors partially mediated the relationship between health literacy.
Conclusions: Health literacy and physical literacy promote adolescent girls’ mental health both directly and indirectly by fostering healthy self-care behaviors. School-based interventions should adopt multidimensional approaches integrating cognitive, physical, and behavioral competencies to support psychological well-being during early adolescence.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive-correlational study employed structural equation modeling. The study population comprised girls aged 9–12 years in Khorramabad, Iran, during the 2025–2026 academic year. A sample of 384 participants was selected using multistage cluster sampling. Data were collected using the Health Literacy for Iranian Adults questionnaire, the Physical Literacy Questionnaire, the General Health Questionnaire, and a researcher-made self-care behaviors questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS 26 and AMOS 24.
Results: The structural model demonstrated an acceptable fit to the data ( , , , ). Health literacy ( , ) and physical literacy (, ) had significant positive direct effects on mental health. Furthermore, both health literacy ( ) and physical literacy ( ) significantly predicted self-care behaviors ( ). Self-care behaviors partially mediated the relationship between health literacy.
Conclusions: Health literacy and physical literacy promote adolescent girls’ mental health both directly and indirectly by fostering healthy self-care behaviors. School-based interventions should adopt multidimensional approaches integrating cognitive, physical, and behavioral competencies to support psychological well-being during early adolescence.
Keywords: Health literacy, Mental health, Puberty, Physical literacy, Self-care behaviors, Structural equation modeling
Article Type: Research Article |
Subject:
Health Education and Promotion
Received: 2026/02/5 | Accepted: 2026/05/28 | Published: 2026/06/20
Received: 2026/02/5 | Accepted: 2026/05/28 | Published: 2026/06/20
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