Strange Days: Adult Physical Activity and Mental Health in the First Two Months of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: In addition to its physical health benefits, physical activity is increasingly recognized as a means to support mental health. Regular moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) is associated with improved mental well-being, reduced likelihood of developing mental illness, and improved symptom management. Despite these benefits, most people fail to achieve minimum recommended levels of MVPA. Population levels of physical activity have further declined since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and implementation of public health measures (e.g., shelter-in-place protocols). The potential impact of this decline on mental heath outcomes warrants ongoing investigation.Purpose: To investigate associations between changes in MVPA and mental health (depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and life satisfaction) in adults impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.Method: Research followed a cross-sectional design. English-speaking adults were invited to complete an online questionnaire. MVPA was assessed retrospectively (before COVID-19) and currently (during COVID-19) with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Mental health was assessed with the Patient Health Questionnaire, 9-Item (PHQ-9), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder, 7-Item (GAD-7), and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). Regression was used to assess relationships between MVPA and mental health. ANOVA with follow-up tests examined whether participants who differed in mental health status (e.g., no symptoms vs. severe symptoms) differed in their change in MVPA. T-tests were used to examine differences in mental health symptomatology between participants who were sufficiently (i.e., achieving MVPA guidelines of ≥ 150 min/week) vs. insufficiently active.Results: Prior to COVID-19, 68.2% of participants were classified as being sufficiently active, vs. 60.6% during COVID-19. The majority of participants reported experiencing some level of depressive symptoms (62.0%) or anxiety symptoms (53.7%). After controlling for covariates, changes in MVPA accounted for significant variability in the PHQ-9 (7.7%), GAD-7 (2.5%), and SWLS (1.5 %). Participants with clinically significant mental health symptomatology reported greater declines in MVPA than those who reported no symptoms. Conversely, participants who were sufficiently active during COVID-19 reported significantly lower depression and anxiety, and higher life satisfaction.Conclusion: Participants who experienced the greatest declines in MVPA reported relatively greater psychological distress and lower life satisfaction. While preliminary, these findings suggest the importance of maintaining and promoting physical activity during a period of pandemic.

Download Full-text

Associations between Physical Activity, Sitting Time, and Time Spent Outdoors with Mental Health during the First COVID-19 Lock Down in Austria

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18179168 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (17) ◽

pp. 9168

Author(s):

Sandra Haider ◽

Lee Smith ◽

Lovro Markovic ◽

Felipe B. Schuch ◽

Kabir P. Sadarangani ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Positive Association ◽

Well Being ◽

Anxiety Symptoms ◽

Sitting Time ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Mental Well Being

Measures implemented to reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2 have resulted in a decrease in physical activity (PA) while sedentary behaviour increased. The aim of the present study was to explore associations between PA and mental health in Austria during COVID-19 social restrictions. In this web-based cross-sectional study (April–May 2020) moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), sitting time, and time spent outdoors were self-reported before and during self-isolation. Mental well-being was assessed with the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale, and the Beck depression and anxiety inventories. The majority of the participants (n = 652) were female (72.4%), with a mean age of 36.0 years and a standard deviation (SD) of 14.4. Moreover, 76.5% took part in ≥30 min/day of MVPA, 53.5% sat ≥10 h/day, and 66.1% spent ≥60 min/day outdoors during self-isolation. Thirty-eight point five percent reported high mental well-being, 40.5% reported depressive symptoms, and 33.9% anxiety symptoms. Participating in higher levels of MVPA was associated with higher mental well-being (odds ratio = OR: 3.92; 95% confidence interval = 95%CI: 1.51–10.15), less depressive symptoms (OR: 0.44; 95%CI: 0.29–0.66) and anxiety symptoms (OR = 0.62; 95%CI: 0.41–0.94), and less loneliness (OR: 0.46; 95%CI: 0.31–0.69). Participants sitting <10 h/day had higher odds of mental well-being (OR: 3.58; 95%CI: 1.13–11.35). Comparable results were found for spending ≥60 min/day outdoors. Maintaining one’s MVPA levels was associated with higher mental well-being (OR = 8.61, 95%CI: 2.68–27.62). In conclusion, results show a positive association between PA, time spent outdoors and mental well-being during COVID-19 social restrictions. Interventions aiming to increase PA might mitigate negative effects of such restrictions.

Download Full-text

Associations of physical performance and physical activity with mental well-being in middle-aged women

10.21203/rs.3.rs-42216/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Dmitriy Bondarev ◽

Sarianna Sipilä ◽

Taija Finni ◽

Urho M. Kujala ◽

Pauliina Aukee ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Life Satisfaction ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Physical Performance ◽

Well Being ◽

Walking Distance ◽

Satisfaction With Life Scale ◽

Middle Aged ◽

Positive Affectivity ◽

Mental Well Being

Abstract Purpose To investigate the associations of physical performance with positive and negative dimensions of mental well-being in middle-aged women and to explore the role of physical activity (PA) in these associations. Methods Women aged 47–55 (n = 909) participated in measurements of physical performance (handgrip force, knee extension force, vertical jumping height, maximal walking speed, and six-minute walking distance). Both mental well-being (the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, the International Positive and Negative Affect Schedule Short Form and the Satisfaction with Life Scale) and PA were self-reported. Associations between variables were analysed using multivariate linear regression modelling adjusted for body height, fat mass, menopausal status and symptoms, marital status, parity, employment status, self-reported mental disorders, and use of psycholeptics and psychoanaleptics. PA was then entered into a separate model to explore its role in the associations. Results In the adjusted models, significant positive associations of six-minute walking distance with positive affectivity (B = 0.12, p = 0.002) and life satisfaction (B = 0.15, p = 0.033) were observed. No significant associations were observed between physical performance and depressive symptoms or negative affectivity. PA was positively associated with positive affectivity and life satisfaction and negatively with depressive symptoms across all the physical performance predictors. Conclusion Of the physical performance measures, six-minute walking distance was associated with positive mental well-being independently of PA level. In addition to PA, aerobic component of physical performance is especially beneficial for positive mental well-being in middle-aged women.

Download Full-text

Life satisfaction in adolescents: relationship with parental style, peer attachment and emotional intelligence

Electronic Journal of Research in Educational Psychology ◽

10.25115/ejrep.v19i53.3425 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 19 (53) ◽

pp. 51-74

Author(s):

Alba Guijarro Gallego ◽

Antonia Martínez Pérez ◽

Visitación Fernández Fernández ◽

Mavi Alcántara-López ◽

Maravillas Castro Sáez

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Life Satisfaction ◽

Emotional Intelligence ◽

Satisfaction With Life ◽

Well Being ◽

Peer Attachment ◽

Self Report ◽

Satisfaction With Life Scale ◽

Subjective Well Being ◽

Psychological Well Being

Introduction. Theory and research support the idea that subjective well-being (positive / negative affect and life satisfaction) is a substantial construct in understanding psychological well-being and mental health. The relevance of life satisfaction in variables affecting psychological well-being has been studied. Life satisfaction in adolescents and its association with sex, age, parental educational styles, peer attachment and emotional intelligence was researched. Groups were compared according to degree of life satisfaction and its relationship with these variables. Method. The sample was composed of 285 secondary school students (49.8% male), average age 15.09 years (12 to 19), and self-report measures of variables were applied to be analyzed: Satisfaction with Life Scale-Child (SWLS-C), Parental Educational Style of Adolescents, Inventory of Parent and Peer Attachment (IPPA) y Trait Meta-Mood-Scale-48 (TMMS-48). Results. Results showed a significant high level of satisfaction among adolescents. A significant higher score among boys compared to girls was confirmed, as in the younger compared to older. Correlations were statistically significant between life satisfaction and all dimensions from Parental Educational Style analyzed, except Behavioral Control; with Alienation and Confidence of Peer Attachment; and with Emotional Intelligence Clarity and Repair, as well as statistically significant differences among satisfaction groups in 12 of the 19 variables analyzed. Discussion and Conclusion. Promoting life satisfaction in adolescents is increasingly relevant, due to the role it may play in achieving good psychological adjustment, thus contributing to the promotion and prevention of mental health.

Download Full-text

Social Intelligence, Life Satisfaction and Depressive Symptoms among Adult Women

International Journal of Indian Psychology ◽

10.25215/0403.044 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 4 (3) ◽

Author(s):

Tabasum Farooq Khan ◽

Sajad Ahmad Bhat

Keyword(s):

Life Satisfaction ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Social Relations ◽

Social Intelligence ◽

Satisfaction With Life ◽

Well Being ◽

Significant Negative Correlation ◽

Satisfaction With Life Scale ◽

Adult Women ◽

Life Scale

Most of the problems in our lives occur due to our failure in maintaining social relations. From family to nations, sound relationships are basis of harmony. Our well-being is directly dependent upon how well we are able to get along with others. In present study an attempt was made to examine the relationship of this ability i.e. social intelligence with positive and negative well-being. In positive well-being, Life satisfaction was assessed and in negative wellbeing depressive symptoms were assessed. Participants comprised of 50 adult women students. Social intelligence was measured by using Tromso Social Intelligence Scale, Depressive Symptoms was measured by CES-D Scale and Life Satisfaction was assessed through Satisfaction with Life Scale. After analyzing data a significant positive correlation was found between Satisfaction with Life and Social Intelligence (r= .46, sig. 0.01) and significant negative correlation was found between Social Intelligence and Satisfaction with Life (r=-.36**, sig. 0.01). Thus it can be said on the basis of results that social intelligence plays a role in determining well-being.

Download Full-text

Associations of physical performance and physical activity with mental well-being in middle-aged women

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-021-11485-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Dmitriy Bondarev ◽

Sarianna Sipilä ◽

Taija Finni ◽

Urho M. Kujala ◽

Pauliina Aukee ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Life Satisfaction ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Physical Performance ◽

Well Being ◽

Walking Distance ◽

Satisfaction With Life Scale ◽

Middle Aged ◽

Positive Affectivity ◽

Mental Well Being

Abstract Background To investigate whether physical performance is independently of physical activity (PA) associated with positive and negative dimensions of mental well-being in middle-aged women. Methods Data were drawn from the Estrogenic Regulation of Muscle Apoptosis (ERMA) study in which women 47 to 55 years were randomly selected from the Finnish National Registry. They (n = 909) participated in measurements of physical performance (handgrip force, knee extension force, vertical jumping height, maximal walking speed, and six-minute walking distance). Both mental well-being (the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, the International Positive and Negative Affect Schedule Short Form and the Satisfaction with Life Scale) and PA were self-reported. Associations between variables were analysed using multivariate linear regression modelling adjusted for body height, fat mass %, menopausal status and symptoms, marital status, parity, employment status, self-reported mental disorders, and use of psycholeptics and psychoanaleptics. PA was then entered into a separate model to explore its role in the associations. Results In the adjusted models, significant positive associations of six-minute walking distance with positive affectivity (B = 0.12, p = 0.002) and life satisfaction (B = 0.15, p = 0.033) were observed. No significant associations were observed between physical performance and depressive symptoms or negative affectivity. PA was positively associated with positive affectivity and life satisfaction and negatively with depressive symptoms across all the physical performance variables. Conclusions Of the physical performance dimensions, aerobic component was associated with positive mental well-being independently of PA level. In relation to other physical performance components, the results point to the benefits of physical activity for mental well-being.

Download Full-text

Associations of physical performance and physical activity with mental well-being in middle-aged women

10.21203/rs.3.rs-42216/v2 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Dmitriy Bondarev ◽

Sarianna Sipilä ◽

Taija Finni ◽

Urho M. Kujala ◽

Pauliina Aukee ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Life Satisfaction ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Physical Performance ◽

Well Being ◽

Walking Distance ◽

Satisfaction With Life Scale ◽

Middle Aged ◽

Positive Affectivity ◽

Mental Well Being

Abstract Purpose: To investigate the associations of physical performance with positive and negative dimensions of mental well-being in middle-aged women and explore the role of physical activity (PA) in these associations. Methods: Data were drawn from the Estrogenic Regulation of Muscle Apoptosis (ERMA) study in which women 47 to 55 years were randomly selected from the Finnish National Registry. They (n=909) participated in measurements of physical performance (handgrip force, knee extension force, vertical jumping height, maximal walking speed, and six-minute walking distance). Both mental well-being (the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, the International Positive and Negative Affect Schedule Short Form and the Satisfaction with Life Scale) and PA were self-reported. Associations between variables were analysed using multivariate linear regression modelling adjusted for body height, fat mass %, menopausal status and symptoms, marital status, parity, employment status, self-reported mental disorders, and use of psycholeptics and psychoanaleptics. PA was then entered into a separate model to explore its role in the associations.Results: In the adjusted models, significant positive associations of six-minute walking distance with positive affectivity (B=0.12, p=0.002) and life satisfaction (B=0.15, p=0.033) were observed. No significant associations were observed between physical performance and depressive symptoms or negative affectivity. PA was positively associated with positive affectivity and life satisfaction and negatively with depressive symptoms across all the physical performance variables. Conclusion: The results point to the benefits of physical activity for mental well-being. However, in addition to PA, of the physical performance measures, the aerobic component of physical performance is especially beneficial for positive mental well-being in middle-aged women.

Download Full-text

Residents’ Physical Activities in Home Isolation and Its Relationship with Health Values and Well-Being: A Cross-Sectional Survey during the COVID-19 Social Quarantine

Healthcare ◽

10.3390/healthcare9070795 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (7) ◽

pp. 795

Author(s):

Yifan Zuo ◽

Mu Zhang ◽

Jiayu Han ◽

Kevin W. Chen ◽

Zhanbing Ren

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Satisfaction With Life ◽

Rating Scale ◽

Positive Impact ◽

Well Being ◽

Physical Activities ◽

Mediating Effect ◽

Satisfaction With Life Scale ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Health Values

The objective of the present study was to examine the associations between residents’ physical activity, health values, and well-being during isolation. On the basis of the physical activity rating scale, health values scale, subjective well-being scale, and the satisfaction with life scale, we collected 505 valid questionnaires online from 31 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions in China. A series of multiple linear regression models were established to study the relationship between variables, and the bootstrap confidence interval was selected to test the mediating effect. The results showed that during the period of isolation, physical activity directly (b = 0.463, p < 0.001) or indirectly (b = 0.358, p < 0.001) had a positive impact on residents’ well-being through the mediating effect of health values. There was a positive correlation between physical activity and health values (b = 0.710, p < 0.001), while health values had a direct positive association on well-being (b = 0.504, p < 0.001). In addition, a moderate amount of physical activity was found to be more associated with the well-being of residents during home isolation compared to small and large amounts of physical activity. This study shows the importance of residents’ physical activities in home isolation. Moderate exercise at home and regular physical activity are beneficial to our physical and mental health, especially in terms of improving overall well-being.

Download Full-text

Do opposite ends of same factors underlie life satisfaction vs. depressive symptoms among older people?

Aging Clinical and Experimental Research ◽

10.1007/s40520-020-01765-z ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Katja Pynnönen ◽

Katja Kokko ◽

Milla Saajanaho ◽

Timo Törmäkangas ◽

Erja Portegijs ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Life Satisfaction ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Older People ◽

Executive Functions ◽

Physical Performance ◽

Well Being ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Satisfaction With Life Scale ◽

Financial Situation ◽

Self Acceptance

Abstract Background Although depressive symptoms are more common among older than younger age groups, life satisfaction tends to remain stable over the life course, possibly because the underlying factors or processes differ. Aim To study whether the factors that increase the likelihood of high life satisfaction also decrease the likelihood of depressive symptoms among older people. Methods The data were a population-based probability sample drawn from community-dwelling people aged 75, 80, and 85 years (n = 1021). Participants’ life satisfaction was measured with the Satisfaction with Life Scale and depressive symptoms with the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Physical performance, perceived financial situation, executive functions, loneliness, self-acceptance, and having interests in one’s life were studied as explanatory variables. The data were analyzed using cross-sectional bivariate linear modeling. Results Better physical performance, not perceiving loneliness, having special interests in one’s life, and higher self-acceptance were associated with higher life satisfaction and fewer depressive symptoms. Better financial situation was related only to life satisfaction. Executive functions were not associated with either of the outcomes. Discussion The opposite ends of the same factors underlie positive and negative dimensions of mental well-being. Conclusion Further studies are warranted to better understand how people maintain life satisfaction with aging when many resources may diminish and depressive symptoms become more prevalent.

Download Full-text

Satisfaction with Life: Mediating Role in the Relationship between Depressive Symptoms and Coping Mechanisms

Healthcare ◽

10.3390/healthcare9070787 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (7) ◽

pp. 787

Author(s):

Daniela Almeida ◽

Diogo Monteiro ◽

Filipe Rodrigues

Keyword(s):

Life Satisfaction ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Coping Strategies ◽

Satisfaction With Life ◽

Well Being ◽

Coping Mechanisms ◽

Significant Positive Association ◽

Mediating Role ◽

The Relationship

The purpose of this study was to analyze the mediating role of life satisfaction in the relationship between fourteen coping strategies and depressive symptoms in the Portuguese population. To undertake this work, 313 Portuguese adults aged 18 to 70 years (M = 30.73; SD = 10.79) were invited to participate in this study. Their participation was completely voluntary, and participants granted and signed informed consent previously to the filling of the validated Portuguese questionnaires. These questionnaires measured depressive symptoms, coping, and life satisfaction. The results revealed that life satisfaction displayed a mediating role in the relationship between adaptive coping mechanisms, specifically between active coping, planning, reinterpretation, and acceptance and depressive symptoms, showing a negative and significant indirect effect. Maladaptive coping mechanisms of self-blame, denial, self-distraction, disengagement, and substance use had a significant positive association with depressive symptoms, considering the mediating role of satisfaction with life. Current investigation provides initial evidence of how each coping mechanism is associated with satisfaction with life and depressive symptoms. This study clearly demonstrates that not all coping strategies are capable of influencing well-being indicators and that health professionals should focus on endorsing those that are significantly associated with lowering depressive symptoms and increasing overall satisfaction with life.

Download Full-text

Life satisfaction and increased self-perceived attractiveness as psychological benefits of physical activity

Aesthetic Cosmetology and Medicine ◽

10.52336/acm.2020.9.6.02 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (6) ◽

pp. 477-484

Author(s):

Paulina Barczak ◽

Hanna Bednarek

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Life Satisfaction ◽

Young Adults ◽

Satisfaction With Life ◽

Well Being ◽

Psychological Benefits ◽

Dance Training ◽

Crossfit Training ◽

The Relationship ◽

Scientific Argument

The studies demonstrate the relationship between higher level of life satisfaction and exercise. The purpose of this article was to determine what type of physical activity, CrossFit training or Latin Dance, positively impacts the level of life satisfaction and self-perceived physical attractiveness in young adults. After CrossFit and Latin Dance training participants declared greater overall satisfaction with life, greater life optimism, increased self-efficacy and greater self-esteem. The results of the authors’ study may be an important contribution to the discussion about factors influencing human well-being. Furthermore, the research could be a scientific argument to promote physical activity among young adults.

Download Full-text