Physical activity is positively associated with college students' positive affect regardless of stressful life events during the COVID-19 pandemic.

ABSTRACT: The study was designed to determine associations between physical activity (PA) and affect before and during COVID-19 stay-at-home orders and how change in PA predicted change in affect during this time. Before and during COVID-19 stay-at-home orders, college students (n?=?107) completed assessments of PA, positive and negative affect, sleep quality, food insecurity, and stressful life events (during stay-at-home order only). Total minutes of PA was positively associated with positive affect before (B?=?0.01, p?B?=?0.01, p?=?0.01) COVID-19 stay-at-home orders. Change in minutes of PA was positively associated with change in positive affect (B?=?0.01, p?=?0.01). Associations between PA and positive affect were not moderated by stressful life events. PA only predicted negative affect before COVID-19 stay-at-home orders (B?=?-0.003, p?=?0.04). PA appears to enhance positive affect during a global pandemic. Findings have implications for PA as a tool for maintaining or enhancing mental health during a time of trauma and uncertainty.

SUBMITTER: Maher JP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7568511 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature