Gender differences in physical activity are partially explained by anxiety sensitivity in post-secondary students

Christopher E.J. DeWolfe, Margo C. Watt, Pablo Romero-Sanchiz, Sherry H. Stewart

Résultat de recherche: Articleexamen par les pairs

27 Citations (Scopus)

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'origineEnglish
Pages (de-à)219-222
Nombre de pages4
JournalJournal of American College Health
Volume68
Numéro de publication3
DOI
Statut de publicationPublished - 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

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