Physical activity and quality of life among university students: exploring self-efficacy, self-esteem, and affect as potential mediators

Abstract

Purpose-Physical activity (PA) has been shown to enhance quality of life (QOL) in older adults. Findings from these studies indicate that the relationship between PA and QOL is indirect and likely mediated by variables such as physical self-esteem, exercise self-efficacy, and affect. As PA varies greatly by age, the purpose of the current study is to extend this area of research to young adults and explore the complex relationship between PA and QOL in this target population.Methods-Data were collected via anonymous questionnaire from N = 590 undergraduate students. PA was assessed with the Godin Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire, and QOL was assessed by the Satisfaction with Life Scale. Path analysis was used to test the relationship between PA and QOL, with mediators of exercise self-efficacy, physical self-esteem, and affect.Results-The PA model (RMSEA = .03, CFI = .99) accounted for 25 % of the variance in QOL. PA had positive direct effects on exercise self-efficacy (β = .28, P < .001), physical self-esteem (β = .10, P < .001), positive affect (β = .10, P < .05), and negative affect (β = .08, P < .05). Physical self-esteem was found to be the most powerful mediating variable on QOL (β = .30, P < .001), followed by positive affect (β = .27, P < .001) and negative affect (β = .14, P < .001).Conclusion-Physical self-esteem and, to a lesser extent, positive affect emerged as integral components in the link between PA and QOL. Findings suggest that health education programs designed to promote regular PA and increase physical self-esteem may be effective in improving QOL in young adults.

Relationships among Physical Activity Level, Health-promoting Behavior, and Physiological Variables in Korean University Students

“…Second, there were significant correlations between the physical activity level and exercise self-efficacy as well as between health-promoting behaviors and exercise selfefficacy. As in previous studies, physical activity has been positively related to self-efficacy, 23) and self-efficacy is a vital factor affecting health-promoting behavior. 24) Increasing self-efficacy is generally considered an important mediator of the effects of physical activity interventions.…”

Life satisfaction, health, self-evaluation and sexuality in current university students of sport sciences, education and natural sciences

“…The students of sport sciences are expected to have a higher proportion of physical activity and active lifestyle as a primary result of their study specialization that can correspond with the findings in the area of life satisfaction and its components. Sport and an optimum level of physical activity can be one of the significant factors contributing to overall quality of life and life satisfaction in current students (Bize, Johnson, & Plotnikoff, 2007;Blahutková, Janošková, & Voráčová, 2012;Guven, Aysegul, Ozden, & Fatma, 2013;Joseph et al, 2014;Mikolajczyk et al, 2008;Perales et al, 2014;Schnohr et al, 2005). Apart from the highest level of overall life satisfaction in the students of sport sciences, these students reported significantly higher subjective satisfaction in the area of health, satisfaction with own person and satisfaction in the sexual area compared with the students of education and natural sciences.…”

“…A significant factor influencing an individual's health, quality of life and life satisfaction is also physical activity (Bize, Johnson, & Plotnikoff, 2007;Grant, Wardle, & Steptoe, 2009;Joseph, Royse, Benitez, & Pekmezi, 2014;Mikolajczyk et al, 2008;Perales, del Pozo-Cruz, del Pozo-Cruz, & del Pozo-Cruz, 2014;Penedo & Dahn, 2005;Schnohr, Kristensen, Prescott, & Scharling, 2005). Physical activity has a short-term as well as long-term favourable effect on mental wellbeing, with a particular influence on self-respect, anxiety, depression, tension, stress perception (Dunn, Trivedi, & O'Neal, 2001;Kirkcaldy, Shephard, & Siefen, 2002;Penedo & Dahn, 2005;Piko & Keresztes, 2006).…”

Physical activity and health-promoting lifestyle of first and second year medical students

“…Therefore, studies using the IPAQ could find considerably lower levels of physical inactivity among the student population (32,33 (35). The role of physical exercise is pointed out as a mechanism not just for improvement of physical condition and health that could empower defence mechanisms against stress, and contribute to greater self-esteem and better socialization (36). According to results of our study, more physically active students exercised more regularly and had better stress management skills.…”