Physical activity and quality of life young adults: Examining self-efficacy, physical self-esteem and affect as mediators

Background: The health and psychological benefits of Physical Activity (PA) have been well documented during the past 20 years. Recent studies suggest that regular PA may increase positive Quality of Life (QOL). In older adults, research has shown that the relationship between PA and QOL is indirect, and mediated by physical self-esteem, exercise self-efficacy, and affect. The purpose of the current study was to apply this conceptual model to a young adult population.

Methods: Data were collected on a sample of 590 undergraduate students through an anonymous questionnaire constructed of widely accepted measures to assess levels of PA, physical self-esteem, self-efficacy, affect, and QOL . Structural equation modeling was used to test the relationship between PA and QOL, with mediators of exercise self-efficacy, physical self-esteem, and affect.

Results: Results revealed the model variables accounted for 28% of the variance in QOL. In addition, PA had positive direct effects on exercise self-efficacy (b=.09, p<.001), physical self-esteem (b=.17, p<.001), and positive affect (b=.09, p<.05). Among all the mediators, physical self-esteem displayed the most powerful effects on QOL (b=.32, p<.001). Positive and negative affect also demonstrated significant effects on QOL.

Conclusions: The final model suggests that overall levels of PA had only a weak relationship with QOL, which was mediated by other cognitive/affective processes. Physical self-esteem emerged as an integral component in the link between PA and QOL. Findings indicate that health education programs focused at enhancing physical self-esteem and promoting regular PA may be effective in improving QOL in young adults.