Physical Activity and Psychological Health among University Students: A Cross-Sectional Investigation of Mental Well-Being and Academic Stress

Authors

  • Sara Ashfaq Department of Sport Sciences and Physical Education, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
  • Dr. Yasmeen Tabassum (Corresponding Author) Department of Sport Sciences and Physical Education, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
  • Dr. Muhammad Abdul Jabar Adnan Department of Sport Sciences and Physical Education, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
  • Muhammad Tahir Latif Department of Sport Sciences and Physical Education, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan

Abstract

Background: University students are disproportionately vulnerable to psychological distress during academic semesters, yet the role of physical activity as a modifiable protective factor remains underexplored in South Asian higher education contexts.

Objective: This study aimed to examine the associations between physical activity levels, mental well-being, and perceived academic stress among young adults enrolled in higher education during an active academic semester.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey design was employed with 112 university students (M = 76.8%; F = 23.2%) recruited through convenience sampling. A validated, structured questionnaire assessed physical activity patterns, mental well-being (WHO-5 adapted items), and perceived stress (PSS adapted items) using a five-point Likert scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS (descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests) with significance set at α = .05.

Results: Daily walking was the predominant physical activity (59.0%), yet 41.1% of participants reported sedentary behavior exceeding six hours per day. Most students reported positive mental well-being outcomes, including high self-confidence (Always: 43.8%), sense of life meaning (Always: 41.1%), and effective decision-making (Always: 34.8%). Academic stress was reported as manageable by the majority; nonetheless, mental exhaustion (Often + Sometimes: 56.3%) and perceived overwhelm (Often + Sometimes: 57.1%) were prevalent. Chi-square analyses revealed significant response patterns across most well-being (p < .001 to .021) and stress items (p < .001 to .033).

Conclusion: Regular physical activity is positively associated with mental well-being and adaptive stress responses among university students. Despite this, the concurrent prevalence of sedentary behavior underscores an urgent need for institutionally embedded physical activity programs and mental health initiatives within Pakistani universities.

 

Keywords: Physical Activity; Mental Well-Being; Academic Stress; University Students; Sedentary Behavior; Pakistan

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Published

2025-05-18

How to Cite

Sara Ashfaq, Dr. Yasmeen Tabassum (Corresponding Author), Dr. Muhammad Abdul Jabar Adnan, & Muhammad Tahir Latif. (2025). Physical Activity and Psychological Health among University Students: A Cross-Sectional Investigation of Mental Well-Being and Academic Stress. `, 3(02), 2722–2732. Retrieved from https://assajournal.com/index.php/36/article/view/1738

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 02 (2025): Advance Social Science Archive Journal

Section

Articles

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