title: The relationship between physical exercise and distress in a national sample of Canadians.
abstract: This paper presents an empirical examination of the relationship between physical exercise and generalized distress within a stress process framework by examining how chronic strains, self-esteem, mastery, and social support influence this relationship. The analysis employed the 1994 wave of the National Population Health Survey consisting of a sample of 12,636 Canadians between 20 and 64 years of age. Findings suggest that physical exercise is a significant predictor of generalized distress independent of chronic strain, self-esteem and social support. However, mastery mediated the association between physical exercise and distress. Moreover, mastery moderated the relationship indicating that it is a more important resource for people who are inactive.
authors.affiliation: Department of Sociology, University of Calgary.
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Martin
authors.forename: T J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Wade
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002170:Canada / Q000453:epidemiology; D002908:Chronic Disease; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology*; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008603:Mental Health; D008875:Middle Aged; D012649:Self Concept; D012944:Social Support; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*