Health-Enhancing Physical Activity: Associations with Markers of Well-Being.
BACKGROUND
The association between health-enhancing physical activity (HEPA) and well-being was investigated across a cross-sectional (Study 1; N=243) and a longitudinal, two-wave (Study 2; N=198) design. Study 2 further examined the role played by fulfilling basic psychological needs in terms of understanding the mechanisms via which HEPA is associated with well-being.


METHODS
Women enrolled in undergraduate courses were surveyed.


RESULTS
In general, greater HEPA was associated with greater well-being (Study 1; rs ranged from .03 to .25). Change score analyses revealed that increased HEPA positively predicted well-being (Study 2; R(2) adj=0.03 to 0.15) with psychological need fulfilment underpinning this relationship.


CONCLUSIONS
Collectively these findings indicate that increased engagement in health-enhancing physical activity represents one factor associated with greater well-being. Continued investigation of basic psychological need fulfilment as one mechanism underpinning the HEPA-well-being relationship appears justified.
Brock University, CanadaUniversity of British Columbia, CanadaUniversity of Saskatchewan, Canada.
Diane E
DE
Mack
Brock University, CanadaUniversity of British Columbia, CanadaUniversity of Saskatchewan, Canada.
Philip M
PM
Wilson
Brock University, CanadaUniversity of British Columbia, CanadaUniversity of Saskatchewan, Canada.
Katie E
KE
Gunnell
Brock University, CanadaUniversity of British Columbia, CanadaUniversity of Saskatchewan, Canada.
Jenna D
JD
Gilchrist
Brock University, CanadaUniversity of British Columbia, CanadaUniversity of Saskatchewan, Canada.
Kent C
KC
Kowalski
Brock University, CanadaUniversity of British Columbia, CanadaUniversity of Saskatchewan, Canada.
Peter R E
PR
Crocker
D000293:Adolescent; D000339:Affect / Q000502:physiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D020377:Self Efficacy; D057566:Self Report
health-enhancing physical activity; self-determination theory; well-being