Fit to cope: Physical Activity and its influence on the resilience of university students
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https://doi.org/10.17979/sportis.2025.11.4.12278Abstract
This study aimed to explore the relationship between university students’ physical activity engagement and their resilience, recognizing the growing importance of holistic well-being in educational settings. Employing a quantitative descriptive correlational design, the research involved 790 students selected through simple random sampling to ensure representativeness. Data were collected using two validated instruments: the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) to measure physical activity levels and the Nicholson McBride Resilience Questionnaire (NMRQ) to assess resilience. Descriptive statistics summarized the levels of physical activity and resilience, while the Pearson correlation coefficient tested the relationship between these variables. Results revealed that a significant positive association exists between physical activity engagement and resilience, indicating that students who are more physically active tend to exhibit stronger resilience. The findings highlight the interconnectedness of physical and psychological well-being, underscoring the importance of integrating physical activity into student support programs to enhance overall resilience. This relationship suggests that promoting physical activity may contribute to enhanced emotional resilience and improved coping abilities in students. The study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by addressing a gap in understanding how these two variables interact within the student population. It also highlights implications for policy and practice, advocating for a more comprehensive approach to student health that balances physical and emotional development. Overall, the research concludes that promoting physical activity is a vital component in supporting students’ resilience, ultimately enhancing their ability to manage academic and social challenges effectively.
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