Health-Enhancing Physical Activity: Associations with Markers of Well-Being

Abstract

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 2adj=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. © 2012 The Authors. Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being © 2012 The International Association of Applied Psychology.