Do patterns of adolescent participation in arts, culture and entertainment activities predict later wellbeing? A latent class analysis

Using latent class analysis, we sought to establish classes of adolescent participation in arts, culture and entertainment (PACE) activities; associations between socio-demographic characteristics and classification; and whether classification predicts later wellbeing. Longitudinal #BeeWell data for 18,309 adolescents were used. Four classes emerged: ‘Dynamic Doers’ (high participation; 11.79%); ’Mind and Body Crew’ (reading, arts, videogames, sports/exercise; 39.9%); ‘Game and Gain Squad’ (videogames and sports/exercise; 29.02%); and ‘Activity Free Association’ (low participation; 19.3%). Associations between socio-demographic characteristics and PACE classification were established (e.g., disadvantage increased the likelihood of Activity Free Association classification, compared to Game and Gain Squad classification). PACE classification predicted later wellbeing (e.g., Dynamic Doers reported significantly higher wellbeing than the Activity Free Association). Implications and limitations are noted.