Understanding the moderating role of gender in physical activity enjoyment and mental well-being

Evidence from university students’ campus recreation participation

Bibliographic Data

ID22089529
AuthorsÖmür Fatih Karakullukçu (0000-0003-3343-5740, MİLLİ EĞİTİM BAKANLIĞI), Cihan Ayhan (0000-0002-7633-1389, Sakarya University, corresponding author), Ferhat Guder (Bayburt University), Laurențiu-Gabriel Talaghir (0000-0002-3133-9192, "Dunarea de Jos" University of Galati, corresponding author), Dumitru Marius Cosoreanu ("Dunarea de Jos" University of Galati), Cristina Corina Bențea (0009-0002-3169-970X, "Dunarea de Jos" University of Galati)
Year2025
Volume13
Pages1679353-1679353
Publication date2025-10-07
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueFrontiers in Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2296-2565 • E-ISSN: 2296-2565
PublisherFrontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3389/fpubh.2025.1679353
PMID41127596
OpenAlexW4414877479
LanguageEN
References cited62

Background Participation in physical activity is considered an important factor not only for individuals’ physical health but also for their psychological well-being. Developing physical activity habits, especially among university-aged individuals, plays a critical role in long-term health outcomes. In this context, the impact of physical activity enjoyment on individuals’ mental well-being has become a topic of interest. However, the moderating role of individual differences, particularly gender, in this relationship has not yet been sufficiently clarified. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between physical activity enjoyment and mental well-being among university students and to reveal the moderating effect of gender on this relationship. Method The research was conducted using a relational screening model. The study group consisted of 392 university students (261 male and 131 female; mean age = 22.95 ± 2.58) from Sakarya University of Applied Sciences who participated in campus recreation activities. Data were collected via a face-to-face survey using the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale and the Mental Well-being Scale. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analysis, and regression-based moderation analysis using PROCESS Macro Model 1 were used in the statistical analysis. Results The level of enjoyment of physical activity was found to have a significant positive effect on mental well-being ( r = 0.427, p = 0.001; F = 50.388, p < 0.001; R 2 = 0.280). Moderation analysis further showed that gender significantly moderated this relationship (Δ R 2 = 0.049; p < 0.001). The effect of enjoyment on mental well-being was significant for both males ( β = 0.2693; S.E. = 0.0348; p < 0.001; 95% CI [0.2010, 0.3377]) and females ( β = 0.7913; S.E. = 0.0949; p < 0.001; 95% CI [0.6047, 0.9780]), with the effect being stronger among females. Conclusion The findings show that considering gender-sensitive approaches in physical activity programs to be implemented on university campuses has a potential impact on improving the psychological well-being of students

Mental health · Physical activity · Physical fitness · Recreation · Health and Wellbeing Research · Physical Activity and Health · Recreation, Leisure, Wilderness Management

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