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The relationship between physical activity and anxiety in college students: Exploring the mediating role of lifestyle habits and dietary nutrition
Physical activity has been proven effective in alleviating anxiety among college students. Research on the mediating roles played by dietary nutrition and lifestyle choices in the association between anxiety and physical activity is still lacking. The purpose of this study by Sun, Zhu & Bao (2024) is to investigate the mediating roles of dietary nutrition and lifestyle choices on the relationship between anxiety and physical activity in college students. A stratified random sample technique was employed in this study to interview 498 university students from three campuses in Fujian, China. The authors gathered and examined information on the demographics, levels of physical activity, lifestyle choices, and nutritional status of the individuals. The findings indicated that dietary nutrition and lifestyle habits significantly mediated the relationship between physical activity and anxiety, both independently and in combination. Together, lifestyle choices and dietary nutrition accounted for 13.27% of the entire effect, whereas they mediated 24.9% of the total effect. Additionally, physical activity directly impacted anxiety, contributing 36.93% of the total effect. Enhancing college students’ engagement in physical activity, along with promoting regular lifestyle habits and proper dietary nutrition, can effectively reduce anxiety levels. This approach provides valuable insights for self-management and treatment of anxiety disorders among college students. Future research should consider developing integrated interventions that combine physical activity, lifestyle modifications, and nutritional guidance to support college students in managing anxiety more effectively. [NPID: College students, physical activity, lifestyle habits, dietary nutrition, anxiety]
Year: 2024
