Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 16, 2025
07:21
Walk with Me Hybrid Virtual/In-Person Walking for Older Adults with Neurodegenerative Disease
Published on: June 16, 2023
1.1K
Changes in Physical Activity Are Associated with Corresponding Changes in Psychological Well-Being: A Pandemic Case
Micael Dahlen1, Helge Thorbjørnsen2,3, Hallgeir Sjåstad3
1Stockholm School of Economics, SE-11383 Stockholm, Sweden.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
|October 23, 2021
Summary
Changes in physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic correlated with psychological well-being. Increased activity boosted life satisfaction, while decreased activity lowered it, suggesting exercise as a coping strategy.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Societal crises and personal challenges significantly impact physical activity levels.
- Understanding the link between physical activity changes and psychological well-being is crucial during challenging times.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between changes in physical activity and psychological well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- To determine if increased or decreased physical activity correlates with changes in life satisfaction.
Main Methods:
- A correlational study was conducted on a representative Swedish sample (N=1035) during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Self-reported physical activity levels and life satisfaction before and during the pandemic were assessed.
Main Results:
- 49% of participants decreased physical activity, while 32% increased it.
- A positive association was found between changes in physical activity and psychological well-being.
- Reduced physical activity correlated with lower life satisfaction; increased activity correlated with higher life satisfaction. Increased inactivity also showed a similar pattern.
Conclusions:
- Physical activity changes are robustly linked to psychological well-being.
- Physical exercise can be recommended as an effective coping strategy during difficult periods.
- Findings align with recent longitudinal and experience-sampling studies.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques VI
79
Adopting a healthier lifestyle often requires overcoming significant challenges, but leveraging psychological, social, and cultural resources can facilitate meaningful change. Effective self-change hinges on understanding and applying key tools such as motivation and goal setting, which help sustain efforts toward long-term health benefits.
Motivation and Self-Determination
Motivation, the driving force behind behavior, plays a pivotal role at every stage of the change process. The research...
Motivation and Self-Determination
Motivation, the driving force behind behavior, plays a pivotal role at every stage of the change process. The research...
79
01:20Psychological Responses to Stress
252
Psychological responses to stress encompass the various cognitive and emotional reactions individuals experience when faced with challenging or threatening situations, such as a job loss. Prolonged exposure to stressors can disturb emotional balance, increasing negative emotions (e.g., anxiety and sadness) and diminishing positive emotions (e.g., joy and satisfaction). These persistent emotional shifts are associated with an increased risk of both physical illness and mental health issues, such...
252
01:27Introduction to Stress and Lifestyle
278
Stress is a multifaceted response to events perceived as challenging or threatening, highlighting physical, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral reactions. Physically, stress can lead to fatigue, sleep disruptions, and various health issues such as frequent colds, chest pains, and nausea. Emotionally, it can manifest as anxiety, depression, irritability, and anger triggered by both minor and major life events. Cognitively, it may result in difficulty in concentration, memory, and...
278
01:30Social Relationships and Well-Being
68
The significance of social relationships in psychological well-being is a well-established area of inquiry within social psychology. Research consistently demonstrates that the presence of meaningful, supportive relationships enhances emotional health, while the absence or deterioration of such connections can contribute to psychological distress. Relationships serve as a foundation for emotional support, identity, and social belonging, all of which are critical to an individual’s overall...
68
01:30Stress and Mental Health
256
Chronic stress profoundly affects mental health, significantly influencing mood, behavior, and overall quality of life. Research closely links chronic stress with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Ongoing exposure to stress can lead to physiological and psychological changes, initiating a cycle of emotional distress and maladaptive coping mechanisms.
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
256
01:18Factors Affecting Illness
4.6K
When a person's physical, emotional, intellectual, social development or spiritual functioning is compromised, this deviation from a healthy normal state is called illness. Illness creates stress that in turn harms individuals. Irritation, anger, denial, hopelessness, and fear are behavioral and emotional changes an individual experiences in the phases of illness. A variety of factors influence a person's health and well-being.
For instance, risk factors are connected to illness,...
For instance, risk factors are connected to illness,...
4.6K