Leisure-time physical activity and psychological well-being in university students

Psychol Rep. 2011 Oct;109(2):453-60. doi: 10.2466/06.10.13.PR0.109.5.453-460.

Abstract

An analysis of psychological well-being (self-esteem and subjective vitality) of 639 Spanish university students was performed, while accounting for the amount of leisure-time physical activity. The Spanish versions of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and Subjective Vitality Scale were employed. Participants were divided into four groups (Low, Moderate, High, and Very high) depending on estimation of energy expenditure in leisure-time physical activity. Men and women having higher physical activity rated higher mean subjective vitality; however, differences in self-esteem were observed only in men, specifically between Very high and the other physical activity groups.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Arousal
  • Exercise / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Leisure Activities*
  • Male
  • Motor Activity*
  • Quality of Life / psychology*
  • Self Concept*
  • Students / psychology*
  • Young Adult