Relationship Between Self-Esteem and Physical Activity in University Students. Gender Differences: Cross-Sectional
Alberto Bermejo-Cantarero1,2, Laura Velázquez-Ruiz2, Cristina Romero-Blanco2
1Health and Social Research Center, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Cuenca, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain.
Nursing Open
|April 9, 2025
Summary
University students who engage in physical activity (PA) report higher self-esteem. A sedentary lifestyle negatively impacts self-esteem, particularly in women, but vigorous PA can equalize self-esteem between genders.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- University students often reduce physical activity and experience increased stress.
- Limited research exists on the impact of these changes on student self-esteem.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior, and self-esteem in university students.
- To analyze gender differences in these relationships.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional online survey was conducted with 314 Spanish university students.
- Self-esteem was measured using the Rosenberg scale; PA using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-SF).
- ANOVA and Pearson's correlation analyses were employed.
Main Results:
- Men reported higher PA, sedentary behavior, and self-esteem than women.
- Higher PA positively correlated with self-esteem; sedentary behavior inversely correlated with self-esteem.
- Sedentary behavior's negative impact on self-esteem was more pronounced in women.
Conclusions:
- Physical activity is linked to improved self-esteem in university students.
- A sedentary lifestyle disproportionately affects women's self-esteem.
- Vigorous physical activity can lead to comparable self-esteem levels between genders.
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