Light, moderate and vigorous physical activities: new insights into a virtuous circle with happiness
Fecha
2022Versión
Acceso abierto / Sarbide irekia
Tipo
Artículo / Artikulua
Versión
Versión publicada / Argitaratu den bertsioa
Identificador del proyecto
Impacto
|
10.1080/17461391.2022.2089053
Resumen
The study of the physical activity engagement (PA) has given rise to a relevant research agenda in a
wide range of fields, such as its close relationship with subjective well-being, self-perceived health
and social capital. Previous evidence has identified interrelationships among these variables, but
without considering different levels of physical activity. We have thus considered three leve ...
[++]
The study of the physical activity engagement (PA) has given rise to a relevant research agenda in a
wide range of fields, such as its close relationship with subjective well-being, self-perceived health
and social capital. Previous evidence has identified interrelationships among these variables, but
without considering different levels of physical activity. We have thus considered three levels of
activity: light (walking), moderate and vigorous. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) is
undertaken on data from Spain’s National Health Survey in 2011–2012 to analyse these
interrelationships. The SEM shows a simultaneous and bidirectional relationship between
different levels of PA (moderate and vigorous activities) and happiness, with a more robust
association stemming from happiness to PA than vice versa. This relationship is mediated
through health. From a policy perspective, this implies a virtuous circle: involvement in different
levels of PA increases happiness and self-perceived health, while happiness involves higher PA
and subsequent positive increases in health and happiness. Nevertheless, this virtuous circle
does not always run successfully when social capital is considered to mediate the relationship
between PA and happiness, which might explain why it has proven to be very difficult for
health policymakers to fight against inactivity and a sedentary lifestyle within a great part of the
population. [--]
Materias
Physical activity,
Self-perceived health,
Happiness,
Well-being,
Social capital,
Structural equation modelling
Editor
Taylor & Francis
Publicado en
European Journal of Sport Science, 2022
Departamento
Universidad Pública de Navarra. Departamento de Economía /
Nafarroako Unibertsitate Publikoa. Ekonomia Saila
Versión del editor
Entidades Financiadoras
This work was supported by Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness [grant number: Project CSO2017-86178-R]; Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation [grant number: Project PID2020-115018RB-C32 (MCIN/AEI/10.13039/50)] Open access funding provided by Universidad Pública de Navarra.