Psychological predictors of physical activity intensity among college students

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of mental health, subjective well-being, and the impact of COVID-19 on quality of life with PA intensity among college students. Participants: The sample included 1262 college students from a large Midwestern research university (mean age = 21.5 +/- 3.6 years). Methods: Participants voluntarily and anonymously completed the Qualtrics questionnaires which included the Patient Health Questionnaire -Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Satisfaction with Life Scale, the Impact of COVID-19 on Quality of Life (QoL) Scale, and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Results: Multiple linear regression models indicated that COVID-19 QoL and life satisfaction were significant predictors of the total, vigorous, and moderate PA (p's < .05). Life satisfaction was also a significant predictor of walking. Conclusion: Higher level satisfaction and lower impact of COVID-19 on quality of life were related to higher total, vigorous, and moderate PA levels.