hrvatski

Psychological benefits and motives for participation in physical activity among university studens

Knowledge about students’ motives for participation in physical activity (PA) and potential psychological benefits associated with PA can significantly contribute to the efficacy of strategies aimed to increasetheir PA level. Thus, the aim of the study was to determine motives for participation in physical activity (PA) and to explore the relationships between PA and self-reported levels of depression, anxiety, and stress among young adults. The study sample included 290 university students (100 males and 190 females, Mage = 22.35, SD = 2.98) who participated in the online survey. The participants fulfilled the Exercise Motivations Inventory 2 (EMI - 2), the short-form version of the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS - 21), and answered the questions regarding physical activity type and frequency. In line with previous findings, male students were engaged in PA more frequently than their female counterparts. The results also revealed gender differences in reasons for participating in PA. Namely, male students were significantly more motivated by affiliation, competition, enjoyment, social recognition and strength (p < 0.05). On the other hand, female students obtained significantly higher results on scales measuring appearance, nimbleness, maintaining/improving health and weight management motives (p < 0.05). In comparison to their physically inactive or insufficiently active colleagues, male students who were physically active at least 3 times per week reported significantly lower levels of depression. Males with different PA habits did not differ in stress and anxiety levels. Contrary to our expectations, female students who were frequently engaged in PA didn’t report significantlylower levels of depression, anxiety or stress. The results indicate the importance of promoting PA among university students, especially among young women. In order to be more effective, future PA promotion strategies should consider gender differences in motives for PA participation. Further studies are warranted in order to identify factors that could mediate the relationship between physical activity and mental health.

psychological benefits, physical activity, motivation, students

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