Exploring the Relationships of Physical Activity, Emotional Intelligence, and Mental Health Among College Students

Authors

  • Amir Bhochhibhoya
  • Paul Branscum
  • E. Laurette Taylor
  • Craig Hofford

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47779/ajhs.2014.215

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship among physical activity (PA), emotional
intelligence (EI), and mental health in a sample of university undergraduate students (n=438). All participants were asked to complete three standardized assessments: the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, the Schutte Self-Report Emotional Intelligence Test, and the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale. Results showed that participants who reported higher levels of PA scored significantly higher in Global EI (p = 0.031) and mental health (p = 0.049) compared to participants with moderate and low levels of PA. Results also indicated that whereas Global EI was a significant predictor of PA, it was mediated by the relationship between mental health and PA.

Author Biographies

Amir Bhochhibhoya

Amir Bhochhibhoya MS, MBA, Graduate Assistant, Department of Health and
Exercise Science, University of Oklahoma, 1401 Asp Avenue, Norman, Oklahoma 73019 

Paul Branscum

Paul Branscum PhD, RD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Health and Exercise Science, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, 73019

E. Laurette Taylor

E. Laurette Taylor PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Health and Exercise Science, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, 73019

Craig Hofford

Craig Hofford PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Health and Exercise Science, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, 73019

Published

2020-11-15

How to Cite

Bhochhibhoya, A., Branscum, P., Taylor, E. L., & Hofford, C. (2020). Exploring the Relationships of Physical Activity, Emotional Intelligence, and Mental Health Among College Students . American Journal of Health Studies, 29(2). https://doi.org/10.47779/ajhs.2014.215