PSYCHOSOCIAL IMPACT OF PHYSICAL EXERCISE ON STRESS MANAGEMENT AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS: A GENDER-BASED COMPARATIVE STUDY
Keywords:
Psychosocial well-being, physical activity, stress reduction, gender disparity, university students, mental health, exercise intervention, emotional wellness, student fitness behavior, stress management programsAbstract
The rising stress levels among university students have become a global concern, affecting academic performance, emotional stability, and overall mental health. This study investigates the psychosocial benefits of physical exercise and its effectiveness in managing stress levels among male and female university students. Utilizing the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and a detailed activity log, data was collected from 400 students (200 males and 200 females) across five universities in India. The results demonstrate a strong inverse relationship between physical activity and perceived stress levels, with notable gender-based differences. Male students benefited more from high-intensity exercises like gym and running, while females reported significant improvements in emotional well-being through yoga and moderate forms of physical activity. The study highlights the importance of customized wellness strategies based on gender preferences and physical activity types to reduce academic stress and enhance psychosocial health. Institutions should promote gender-sensitive fitness programs to foster emotional resilience and academic success
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