Effects of Physical Activity on Affectivity in College Students: Mediating Role of Self-Esteem

Abstract

Archival data from 720 undergraduate students from the University of Washington, Tacoma, concerning level of physical activity, self-esteem, and positive affect (PA) were used to determine if level of exercise predicts affectivity and self-esteem and to explore the mediating effects of self-esteem within the relationship between physical activity and positive affect. In addition, the predictive relationship between self-esteem and positive affect was explored. Results indicated higher levels of physical activity were predictive of positive affect but not of self-esteem and that self-esteem is not a mediating factor between physical activity and affectivity. Results also showed that self-esteem was not predictive of positive affect. Incidental findings showed that self-esteem is predictive of negative affect (NA). The results described suggest PA is influenced by physical activity which is similar to historical findings. However, results did not show that self-esteem acts as a mediator within the relationship of physical activity and affectivity. Results also indicated that self-esteem is predictive of NA, but not predictive of PA. Interpretation of these results, along with limitations, clinical implications, and recommendations for future research, are subsequently discussed.