Presenter
Serena Mora
Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
2026
Abstract
Adolescence is a critical period marked by significant growth and change that builds foundations for adulthood, for both neurodivergent (ND) and neurotypical (NT) teens. ND individuals have numerous strengths but also experience challenges such as low self-confidence and high anxiety that impact occupational engagement, health and wellbeing. Occupational therapy (OT) promotes health management, including physical activity (PA) and social emotional health promotion. OT can support skills such as emotional regulation, executive functioning and adaptive approaches, to promote healthy participation in everyday life. Evidence suggests providing PA positively impacts psychosocial wellbeing in NT adolescents. However, ND teens often have limited access to PA as current programs are often competitive and can increase anxiety surrounding an already difficult period of change. With the prevalence of ND conditions on the rise, it is crucial for ND adolescents to have access to such programming that fosters social-emotional wellness, problem solving, and creating and maintaining healthy relationships. This poster presents results of an IRB-approved study, centered around an 8-week PA program designed to integrate social emotional wellness themes. This poster provides details to answer the research question: Does participation in structured PA programming improve social emotional wellness in ND adolescents?
Faculty Mentor
Tania Rosa, O.T.D., OTR/L
Academic Discipline
College of Health & Wellness
Repository Citation
Mora, Serena BA, "Building Adolescent Wellness Through Fitness" (2026). Student Research Design & Innovation Symposium. 332.
https://scholarsarchive.jwu.edu/innov_symposium/332
