The Role of Physical Activity in Enhancing Mental Well-Being and Reducing Anxiety among Amateur Athletes: A Sport Psychology Perspective
Abstract
Physical activity has been widely recognized for its benefits in promoting both physical and mental health. This study examined the role of physical activity in enhancing mental well-being and reducing anxiety among amateur athletes from a sport psychology perspective. A cross-sectional survey design was employed, utilizing standardized instruments such as the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-Short Form) to measure physical activity levels, the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS) to assess mental well-being, and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7) to evaluate anxiety levels. Data were collected from 150 amateur athletes in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results showed a significant positive correlation between physical activity levels and mental well-being (r = 0.62, p < 0.001), indicating that athletes engaging in higher physical activity had better psychological resilience and overall well-being. Additionally, physical activity was found to be significantly associated with reduced anxiety levels (r = -0.58, p < 0.001), with participants reporting lower GAD-7 scores as their physical activity increased. T-test results demonstrated significant differences in mental well-being scores across different sports categories (F(3, 296) = 4.81, p = 0.003), highlighting variations in psychological benefits depending on the type of sport. These findings emphasized the importance of incorporating sport psychology principles into athletic training programs, public health initiatives, and mental health interventions. It is recommended that stakeholders, including policymakers, coaches, and health professionals, implement structured exercise programs, sport psychology techniques, and awareness campaigns to maximize the psychological benefits of physical activity.
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