Résumé
Objective: Female post-secondary students typically engage in less physical activity than their male counterparts. Given that women have greater anxiety sensitivity (ie, fear of arousal-based body sensations) and anxiety sensitivity is inversely related to physical activity participation, this study sought to determine if anxiety sensitivity mediates gender differences in self-reported physical activity. Participants and methods: A sample of 802 post-secondary students completed the Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3 and a Lifestyles Questionnaire in September 2017. Results: Women reported significantly less physical activity and significantly greater anxiety sensitivity. Anxiety sensitivity was significantly and inversely related to self-reported physical activity. A significant indirect effect of gender on physical activity via anxiety sensitivity was shown (B = 5.56, SE = 2.81, p <.05, 95% CI [1.31, 12.78], PM =.0843). Conclusions: Results suggest that anxiety sensitivity partially explains gender differences in physical activity. Anxiety sensitivity reduction interventions might increase physical activity participation and reduce the existing gender gap.
Langue d'origine | English |
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Pages (de-à) | 219-222 |
Nombre de pages | 4 |
Journal | Journal of American College Health |
Volume | 68 |
Numéro de publication | 3 |
DOI | |
Statut de publication | Published - avr. 2 2020 |
Note bibliographique
Funding Information:This work was funded by Canada Research Chairs, Nova Scotia Health Research Foundation, University of Málaga, St. Francis Xavier University Jules Léger Chair, Government of Nova Scotia, Social Sciences, José Castillejo Program from the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities (grant number, CAS18/00263), and Humanities Research Council of Canada. The authors thank Pam Collins and Noelle Strickland for their research assistance.
Publisher Copyright:
© 2018, © 2018 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
ASJC Scopus Subject Areas
- Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
PubMed: MeSH publication types
- Comparative Study
- Journal Article
- Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't