Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Associations between Leisure Time Physical Activity,Mental Well-Being and Subjective Health in Middle Adulthood

Previous studies have shown that participation in leisure time physical activity is related to better mental well-being and subjective health. However, the associations between different types of leisure time physical activities and different dimensions of mental well-being have rarely been studied. In addition, longitudinal research, analyzing possible causal relations between these variables, is lacking. To investigate these research questions, data gathered at ages 42 and 50 (present N = 303) for the Finnish Jyväskylä Longitudinal Study of Personality and Social Development were used. Physical activity was assessed as frequency of participation at ages 42 and 50, and at age 50 also as frequency of participation in different types of physical activities. Mental well-being was captured by emotional, psychological and social well-being and subjective health by self-rated health and symptoms. Cross-sectionally, different types of physical activities were related to different dimensions of well-being. Walking had positive associations with psychological and social well-being, rambling in nature with emotional and social well-being, and endurance training with subjective health. Rambling in nature was also positively related to subjective health but only among men. Longitudinally, mental well-being predicted later participation in leisure-time physical activity, whereas no longitudinal associations between subjective health and physical activity were found. The results suggest that leisure time physical activities are related to current mental well-being and subjective health in midlife. Across time, good mental well-being seems to be a resource promoting engagement in physical activity.

     

Exercise as a coping strategy and its impact on the psychological well-being of Japanese community-dwelling older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic: A longitudinal study

This study aimed to examine the prevalence of exercise as a coping strategy among Japanese community-dwelling older adults and its impact on their psychological well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. In October 2019 (baseline [BL]), 720 community-dwelling older adults living in an urban area in Japan participated in a comprehensive health survey. Of these, 618 responded to a mail survey (follow-up [FL]) in June 2020, after the first state of emergency was lifted. Their psychological well-being was assessed using the WHO-5 Well-Being Index (WHO-5). Exercise as a coping strategy during the stay-at-home period was determined at FL by asking respondents whether they had engaged in 1) walking and 2) at-home exercise and strength training to maintain their physical and mental health. Each type of exercise’s impact and the effective exercise combinations were examined. Time and group interaction effects on the WHO-5 scores were investigated using a two-way analysis of covariance. Of the final sample, 65.1% engaged in walking. The WHO-5 mean scores at BL and FL were 16.7 and 15.4 for the walking group and 16.7 and 14.5 for the non-walking group, respectively; interaction for time and group was significant. Additionally, 56.4% of the participants engaged home training. The WHO-5 mean score at BL and FL were 17.5 and 15.5 for the home training group and 15.7 and 14.5 for the no home training group, respectively; there was no significant interaction. Older adults who engaged in both walking and home training received higher score on the WHO-5 than those who engaged in only one activity at FL. The decline in psychological well-being was most attenuated in the walking only group compared to the at-home exercise and strength training groups. Exercise as a coping strategy during the stay-at-home period was associated with psychological well-being, with different impacts observed depending on the type of activity.     

Worksite intervention model for facilitating changes in physical activity, fitness, and psychological parameters

The purpose was to examine the effectiveness of a physical activity intervention which combined behavior-change strategies with a variety of physical activities for 30 sedentary adults in a 12-wk. intervention that included behavior-change strategy sessions and supervised physical activity. Before and after the intervention, psychological and physiological variables were measured. Statistically significant changes right after the intervention included (1) an increase in physical activity participation, (2) an increase in muscular endurance, flexibility, and predicted VO2 max, and (3) a decrease in the number of barriers to physical activity. Changes in physical self-perception, a psychological variable often linked to increased physical activity, were not statistically significant, but effect sizes were large. The use of behavior-change strategies in conjunction with a variety of physical activities may be useful in improving physical and psychological well-being in previously sedentary adults. Stability of change requires study.     

Contribution of Leisure-Time Physical Activity on Psychological Benefits Among Elderly Immigrants

Research provides evidence that leisure-time physical activity engagement promotes health and well-being among older adults. In this study, using data released from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) in 2008, we focused on the exploration of the relationship between leisure-time physical activity and psychological benefits such as positive affect, optimism, psychological well-being, and life satisfaction among elderly immigrants. The results of this study demonstrated that leisure-time physical activities play an important role in gaining psychological benefits. This finding provided further evidence that leisure-time physical activities provides rich opportunities for elderly immigrants to experience psychological benefits, which may contribute to quality of life and successful aging.     

The impact of sport and physical activity on the well-being of combat veterans: A systematic review

ObjectivesThis review examined the potential impact of sport and physical activity upon the subjective and psychological well-being of combat veterans in the aftermath of physical or psychological combat trauma.DesignA systematic review was conducted. The question guiding this review was ‘what is the impact of sport and physical activity on the well-being of combat veterans?’MethodsKey databases were searched for articles relating to the use of sport and/or physical activity in supporting combat veterans. 11 studies were identified as relevant for inclusion. Data from these studies were extracted by means of a directed content analysis, the results of which were reported in a narrative synthesis.ResultsSport and physical activity enhances subjective well-being in veterans through active coping and doing things again, PTSD symptom reduction, positive affective experience, activity in nature/ecotherapy, and quality of life. Impact on psychological well-being includes determination and inner strength, focus on ability and broadening of horizons, identity and self-concept, activity in nature/ecotherapy, sense of achievement/accomplishment, and social well-being. Participating in sport and/or physical activity can also enhance motivation for living.ConclusionsThe review advances knowledge by producing a synthesis of evidence that highlights the value of sport and physical activity for supporting the well-being and rehabilitation of disabled combat veterans and combat veterans diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. It also develops knowledge by identifying the type of sports and physical activities used to promote well-being, offering the first definition of combat veterans in the sport literature, taking a critical approach, and highlighting the under researched role of nature-based physical activity.     

Self-determined motivation in physical education and its links to motivation for leisure-time physical activity, physical activity, and well-being in general

The present study tested a trans-contextual model based on self-determination theory of the relations between motivation in physical education, motivation in leisure-time physical activity, physical activity, and psychological well-being. Participants were 329 Norwegian upper secondary school students (M age = 16.5 yr., SD = 0.7). Students' perceptions of autonomy-supportive teachers in physical education were expected to be positively associated with students' psychological needs satisfaction in physical education, which was expected to be positively related to autonomous motivation for physical education participation. In turn, autonomous motivation for physical education was expected to be positively associated with perceived competence and autonomous motivation for leisure-time physical activity, which both were expected to be positively associated with leisure-time physical activity and psychological well-being in general. Structural equation models and bootstrapping supported the hypotheses and the indirect links between variables. Sex differences indicate that more research is needed on how to motivate girls to be more physically active in leisure time.     

Effect of the SNS-Based Physical Activity-Related Psychological Intervention on Physical Activity and Psychological Constructs among Inactive University Students

Background/ObjectiveThe current study investigated the effects of the physical activity-related psychological intervention via social network service (SNS) on physical activity and psychological constructs in inactive university students.MethodThirty inactive university students participated in the 12-week intervention and received the physical activity-related psychological strategy via SNS. The physical activity levels, stages of physical activity, self-efficacy, pros, and cons were measured at the three time points (baseline, after 6 weeks, and after 12 weeks). Data analyses included frequency analysis, McNemar chi-square (χ²) test, and a repeated measures ANOVA were conducted.ResultsResults indicated that the number of inactive university students gradually decreased across the three different time points, and that a total physical activity of inactive university students significantly increased over the 12-week intervention. In addition, pros and self-efficacy significantly increased but cons gradually decreased over the intervention.ConclusionsThe current study suggests that the SNS-based physical activity-related psychological strategies have positive effects on promoting physical activity and its related psychological constructs for inactive university students.     

Pattern of psychological fitness as related to pattern of physical fitness among older adults

The purpose of the present study was to investigate psychological fitness as well as physical fitness among late middle-aged normal men and women before, during, and after a 12-wk. physical activity program. Heart-rate of each subject was measured on a graded treadmill four times, and four psychological measures were taken: self-esteem, body-image, trait-anxiety, and well-being. Improvement of fitness was gradual and significant for both sexes, whereas no effects of time or sex were found on the first three psychological measures. Significant differences in pattern of change between women and men on well-being confirm previous findings that women report more depression and less satisfaction than men and thus are more sensitive to change.     

Coping style as a predictor of health and well-being across the first year of medical school.

Medical students in their 1st year (N=71) were assessed prior to starting training and at year's end. Coping styles reported at baseline were strongly related to coping styles at the end of the year. Students' physical health and psychological well-being declined over the course of the year. The greater the students' use of both problem-focused coping and approach emotion-focused coping, the less their physical health deteriorated. Psychological well-being at year's end was more strongly related to baseline functioning, and coping style did not predict change. This study demonstrated the utility of measuring coping style and the predictive ability of coping on physical health in a healthy sample.     

The Role of Self-Compassion in Physical and Psychological Well-Being

The relation of self-compassion to physical and psychological well-being was investigated among 182 college students. The self-compassion scale was delineated into three composites, following the proposition by Neff that self-compassion consists of three main components: self-judgment versus self-kindness (SJ–SK), a sense of isolation versus common humanity (I–CH), and over-identification versus mindfulness (OI–M). Findings support the association between self-compassion and psychological and physical well-being, but the composites demonstrate different influences. SJ–SK and I–CH were predictive of both depressive symptomatology and physical well-being, and SJ–SK and OI–M were predictive of managing life stressors. The results of this study support and expand prior research on self-compassion.     

Physical activity and psychological well-being in children with Type 1 diabetes

Physical activity and psychological well-being contribute to positive lifestyle and well-being in youngsters who have Type 1 diabetes. The aims of this study were to objectively assess the physical activity levels of children with Type 1 diabetes, and investigate associations between physical activity levels, psychological well-being and HbA(1c). Thirty-six children, mean age 12.8 years, participated in the investigation. Physical activity was assessed using heart rate monitoring over four days. Children further completed the Diabetes Quality of Life for Youths Questionnaire, the Physical Self-Perception Profile for Children and the Self-Efficacy for Diabetes Scale. Routine outpatient HbA(1c) measurements were recorded. There were no significant associations between psychological well-being and physical activity, or HbA(1c) and physical activity, thus suggesting physical activity does not directly relate to psychological well-being in children with Type 1 diabetes. It may be that the effect of physical activity differs from that in children without Type 1 diabetes because of the place of physical activity within diabetes management and the need to balance this with insulin dosage and dietary intake to maintain blood glucose levels.     

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

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.     

High School Sport Participation and Subsequent Psychological Well-Being and Physical Activity: The Mediating Influences of Body Image, Physical Competence, and Instrumentality

This study examined the relationship of high school sport participation to psychological well-being and physical activity involvement in college. First semester female undergraduates (n?=?260) at a large public university in the southern United States reported their high school sport participation and completed a series of questionnaires assessing their current body image, physical competence, instrumentality, psychological well-being, and physical activity levels. Body image, physical competence, and instrumentality mediated the relationships between high school sport involvement and college well-being and level of activity. This model accounted for 46% of the variance in college physical activity and 60% in psychological well-being, suggesting that these benefits accrue as a result of changes in how women view themselves and their bodies.     

Year-Round Effectiveness of Physical Activity Counseling on Subjective Well-Being: A Self-Determination Approach Among Flemish Sedentary Adults

This study evaluated the year-round effectiveness of need-supportive physical activity counseling on various dimensions of subjective well-being. Flemish adults who did not attain the recommended level of physical activity were assigned to an intervention (n?=?92) or a control condition (n?=?34). Participants of the intervention condition received a four-month physical activity coaching based on the Self-Determination Theory. The coaching was limited to five individual contact moments with a bachelor in kinesiology specializing in health-related physical activity counseling. Self-reports on various intensities of physical activity and physical and psychological well-being were completed before (i.e. pre-test), immediately after (i.e. post-test) and 1 year after (i.e. follow-up-test) the intervention. Repeated measurements ANOVAs showed significant time by condition interaction effects with respect to physical well-being. More specifically, physical well-being significantly increased in the intervention condition from pre- to post-test and from pre- to follow-up-test, whereas no changes occurred in the control condition. Bootstrapping mediation analyses revealed that the changes in physical well-being were mediated by changes in strenuous intensity physical activity. The findings demonstrate the year-round effectiveness of need-supportive physical activity counseling with a limited number of contact moments on (physical) well-being and suggest its potential as a public health initiative.     

大学生正念对主观幸福感的影响:情绪调节及心理弹性的中介作用

采用五因素正念量表(FFMQ)、情绪调节量表(ERS)、心理弹性量表(CD-RISC)、幸福感指数量表(IWB)对448名大学生进行问卷调查,以探讨正念对主观幸福感的影响机制。结果表明:(1)正念、重新评价、心理弹性、主观幸福感呈显著正相关;(2)重新评价和心理弹性的链式多重中介效应在正念与主观幸福感间起部分中介效应,一方面,正念可以通过促进心理弹性提升主观幸福感,另一方面,正念不能直接通过重新评价策略的使用提升主观幸福感,存在"正念→重新评价→心理弹性→主观幸福感"的路径。     

A multidimensional approach to measuring well-being in students: Application of the PERMA framework

Seligman recently introduced the PERMA model with five core elements of psychological well-being: positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment. We empirically tested this multidimensional theory with 516 Australian male students (age 13–18). From an extensive well-being assessment, we selected a subset of items theoretically relevant to PERMA. Factor analyses recovered four of the five PERMA elements, and two ill-being factors (depression and anxiety). We then explored the nomological net surrounding each factor by examining cross-sectional associations with life satisfaction, hope, gratitude, school engagement, growth mindset, spirituality, physical vitality, physical activity, somatic symptoms, and stressful life events. Factors differentially related to these correlates, offering support for the multidimensional approach to measuring well-being. Directly assessing subjective well-being across multiple domains offers the potential for schools to more systematically understand and promote well-being.     

自我超越生命意义对压力和健康关系的调节作用

研究目的是检验一个新的应激应对资源—自我超越生命意义的健康调节作用。自我超越生命意义的理论基础是东方的佛教哲学和道家哲学。研究的测量工具有：大学校园压力量表,一般健康问卷（GHQ-20）,自尊量表和自我超越生命意义量表。被试为来自北京市三所高校的788名大学生。研究结果为：自我超越生命意义可以调节应激条件下的忧郁情绪、一般健康问题和自尊,但是对于焦虑情绪和自我肯定的调节作用不明显。研究结论是：自我超越生命意义对心理健康的某些方面具有调节作用     

Measuring, monitoring and managing the psychological well-being of first year university students

This paper profiles the psychological well-being of students in their initial year of university. There were three aims: to measure the impact of arrival at university on the psychological well-being of first year students, to monitor (i.e. profile) the shape of psychological well-being across the first year, and to investigate how students manage their well-being in relation to the use of university counselling services. Data were collected on four occasions, with 84% of all first year students at a UK university (4,699 students) completing the questionnaire on at least one occasion. Psychological well-being was assessed using the GP-CORE, a general population form of the CORE-OM. Results show that greater strain is placed on well-being once students start university compared to levels preceding entry. This strain rises and falls across the year but does not return to pre-university levels. Items tapping depression and anxiety suggest that the first year of university is a time of heightened anxiety but not a particularly depressive time. The findings are discussed in relation to students' experience of higher education and how to match student needs with university counselling service provision.