The relationship between physical activity attitude and life satisfaction: A sample of university students in Turkey

BACKGROUND: Physical activity is very important for a healthy life in the human existence, and regular physical activity and high attitudes towards physical activity can contribute to higher levels of life satisfaction of individuals. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between university students' attitudes towards physical activity and their life satisfaction levels. METHODS: In the study, the Cognitive Behavioral Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to measure the participants' attitudes towards physical activity. In order to measure the participants' life satisfaction levels, The Satisfaction with Life Scale was used. Descriptive statistics, independent sample t-test, one-way ANOVA, pearson correlation analysis, and regression analysis were used in the analysis of the obtained data. RESULTS: According to gender, it was determined that there was a statistically significant difference both in the result expectation and self-regulation sub-dimensions of physical activity attitude and the total score of physical activity attitude. When the correlation analysis results were analyzed, the statistically significant positive relationship between life satisfaction and outcome expectation, self-regulation sub-dimensions of physical activity attitude, and the total score of physical activity attitude was determined. Also, it was found that the attitude towards physical activity explained approximately 6% of life satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: It was determined that as the attitudes of the participants towards physical activity increased, their life satisfaction increased.