COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF SELECTED PSYCHOLOGICAL VARIABLES AMONG PHYSICALLY ACTIVE AND SEDENTARY INDIVIDUALS

Abstract

Background: Physical activity is widely recognized for its positive effects on mental health, particularly in reducing anxiety and stress. However, gender-specific responses to physical activity in relation to anxiety and stress levels remain underexplored in young adults.

Objective: This study aimed to examine the impact of regular physical activity on anxiety and stress levels among male and female university students, comparing physically active and sedentary individuals.

Methods: A total of 120 university students, stratified by gender and physical activity level, were assessed for anxiety and stress using standardized psychological scales. Participants were categorized into four groups: physically active males, sedentary males, physically active females, and sedentary females. Mean scores, standard deviations, and independent t-tests were used to determine group differences.

Results: The findings revealed that physically active individuals—both male and female—had lower anxiety and stress scores compared to their sedentary counterparts. Among males, the mean anxiety score for physically active participants was 39.40 (SD = 15.19), significantly lower than sedentary males (46.40, SD = 12.64; p = 0.05). In females, physically active participants scored 41.20 (SD = 14.21) vs. 47.20 (SD = 11.24) for sedentary counterparts (p = 0.07), indicating a trend toward significance. For stress, highly significant differences were observed in both genders: physically active males scored 17.50 (SD = 2.73) vs. 23.63 (SD = 5.16) for sedentary males (p < 0.01), and physically active females scored 17.73 (SD = 2.47) vs. 23.20 (SD = 3.88) for sedentary females (p < 0.01).

Conclusion: Regular physical activity is associated with lower anxiety and stress levels in university students, with significant benefits observed across genders. These results support the promotion of physical activity as an effective non-pharmacological strategy for improving mental well-being in young adults.