Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 7, 2025

Visualization of Intensity Levels to Reduce the Gap Between Self-Reported and Directly Measured Physical Activity
Published on: March 7, 2019
Age-related variations in physical activity, happiness, and psychological well-being: Evidence from Iran
Mohammad VaezMousavi1, Lara Carneiro2, Amir Shams3
1Imam Hossein University, Tehran, Iran.
Background:
Physical activity (PA) is associated with higher levels of PWB and happiness. The high prevalence of physical inactivity among the Iranian population is concerning. Moreover, according to the Happiness Report 2024, Iran is ranked 100th out of 143 countries. Thus, this research aimed to study the PWB, happiness, and PA in Iranian age groups.
Methods:
The study sampled 1,050 participants, equally divided into young, middle-aged, and elderly groups, using randomized cluster sampling from urban areas across five geographic regions in Iran. The study utilized four questionnaires: a Demographic Information Questionnaire, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), Ryff's Scales of PWB (18-item form), and the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire (OHQ). Descriptive statistics were used for summarizing data, and inferential analyses included Pearson's correlation coefficient, one-way ANOVA, the Bonferroni test, and multivariate regression, all with a significance level set at P<0.05.
Results:
Middle-aged individuals had the highest PA (1015.69±730.63 MET-minutes per week) and reported the highest happiness (111.97±24.08) and PWB (63.75±11.17) levels. The elderly had the lowest levels of PA (677.78±592.50 MET-minutes per week), happiness (107.63±24.01), and PWB (60.05±10.02). Statistical tests showed significant differences in PA, happiness, and PWB between the age groups (P<0.05), with no significant difference between young and elderly in PA (P>0.05). Physical activity positively correlated with happiness and PWB, especially in the elderly. Multivariate regression revealed that PA significantly predicts happiness (F = 30.993, t = 6.96, B = 0.211) and PWB (F = 86.85, t = 9.32, B = 0.004), explaining 4.4% and 8.0% of their variances, respectively.
Conclusions:
The study concludes that increasing PA enhances happiness and PWB. Practical applications include promoting PA to improve mental health and PWB. Future research should investigate the effects of specific types of PA and explore longitudinal impacts on PWB to provide a deeper understanding of these relationships.
Related Concept Videos
Socioemotional Experience and Gender Development
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques VI
Motivation and Self-Determination
Motivation, the driving force behind behavior, plays a pivotal role at every stage of the change process. The research...
Surveys
Relationship Formation
Traits, Mood, and Subjective Wellbeing
Neuroticism and...
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques III
The Role of Exercise in Stress Management
Regular physical activity is essential for reducing stress and promoting cardiovascular health. Exercise strengthens the heart, enhances blood flow, keeps blood vessels flexible, and helps lower blood pressure, all of which reduce the body's stress response. Research shows that adults who exercise regularly have nearly half the...

