Passive Versus Mentally Active Sedentary Behaviors and Depression

Detrimental associations of sedentary behaviors with depression have been identified, but findings are inconsistent. We propose a novel approach to the classification and analysis of sedentary behaviors, which differentiates between those that are passive (e.g., television viewing) and mentally active (e.g., reading). Available evidence is summarized, and research questions relating to measurement, causal relationships, and mechanisms are considered.