The Relationship Between Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and Subjective Well-Being: Gender Differences Among...

Area of Science:

• Sports and Exercise Science
• Psychology
• Public Health

Background:

• University students face significant psychological distress due to academic and lifestyle changes.
• Understanding factors influencing student mental health is crucial for developing effective support strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior, and subjective well-being in Slovak university students.
• To explore gender-specific and non-linear patterns in these associations.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 1314 first-year university students (69.5% women).
• Data collected using the IPAQ-Short Form for physical activity and the Bern Questionnaire on Subjective Well-Being (BSW/A).
• Statistical analysis included nonparametric tests with Benjamini-Hochberg FDR correction for group differences.

Main Results:

• Higher physical activity levels correlated with improved well-being, including higher self-esteem and joy, and lower depressed mood and somatic complaints.
• Gender-specific patterns were observed: well-being benefits plateaued beyond moderate PA in men, while women showed an inverse association between moderate PA and self-esteem.
• Sedentary time exhibited weak and mostly non-significant associations with well-being after statistical correction.

Conclusions:

• Physical activity positively influences subjective well-being in a non-linear and gender-dependent manner among university students.
• Interventions to enhance student well-being should consider gender differences, individual activity levels, and motivational factors.
• Further research into tailored physical activity programs for diverse student populations is warranted.