Understanding the Psychological Pathways of Exercise: Affective Commitment’s Role in Promoting Cognitive and Emotional Health

https://doi.org/10.55966/assaj.2025.4.1.085

Abstract

Understanding the Psychological Pathways of Exercise: Affective Commitment’s Role in Promoting Cognitive and Emotional Health aspects, particularly in higher education settings, is less explored. This study explores the role of physical activity in enhancing thinking skills and emotional behavior among university students in Punjab, Pakistan, with a specific focus on the mediating effect of affective commitment. The objectives of the study include examining the impact of physical activity on students' cognitive and emotional outcomes and investigating how affective commitment influences this relationship. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among students from various higher education institutions in Punjab. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire measuring students’ levels of physical activity, emotional behavior, thinking skills, and affective commitment. To analyze the data, correlation and regression analyses were employed to assess the strength and nature of the relationships among the variables. The results demonstrated a significant positive correlation between physical activity and both thinking skills and emotional behavior. Students who regularly engaged in physical activity exhibited enhanced cognitive abilities and more positive emotional responses. The study further identified affective commitment as a key mediating factor, reinforcing the link between physical activity and its emotional and cognitive benefits. These findings underscore the vital role physical activity plays in supporting mental and emotional development among university students.

Keywords: Psychological, Thinking Skills, Emotional Behavior, Affective Commitment