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Longitudinal Effects of Motivation and Physical Activity on Depressive Symptoms among College Students

Author

Listed:
  • Jie Zhang

    (College of Physical Education and Sports Training, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China)

  • Xiangli Gu

    (Department of Kinesiology, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, USA)

  • Xiaoxia Zhang

    (Department of Kinesiology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA)

  • Jihye Lee

    (Department of Health and Kinesiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77845, USA)

  • Mei Chang

    (Department of Educational Psychology, University of North Texas, Denton, TX 76203, USA)

  • Tao Zhang

    (Department of Kinesiology, Health Promotion, and Recreation, University of North Texas, Denton, TX 76203, USA)

Abstract

High prevalence of depression and physical inactivity have been consistently reported among college students, especially in females. Guided by Lubans et al.’s conceptual framework, the primary purpose of this study was to examine the longitudinal relationships of PA motivation with leisure-time PA and depressive symptoms among college students over one academic year. Employing a longitudinal repeated measure design, 1004 college students in China were recruited in this study (28.3% males and 71.7% females; M age = 18.93 ± 0.64 years; 18–22 years old). Participants completed previously validated questionnaires assessing PA motivation (perceived competence beliefs and task values toward PA), leisure-time PA participation, and depressive symptoms in Fall 2016 (Time 1) and Fall 2017 (Time 2). Both male and female college students showed a significant increase of depressive symptoms from freshmen to sophomores ( p < 0.05). The regression models indicated that perceived competence beliefs and task values toward PA were significant predictors of depressive symptoms at Time 2 ( p < 0.05) after controlling for Time 1 measures in males and females, respectively. Physically active college students consistently demonstrated higher PA motivation, and they displayed fewer depressive symptoms compared to inactive peers over time ( p < 0.05). The findings suggest sex-specified motivational intervention strategies and PA promotion programs/opportunities are needed to reduce depression symptoms among college students over time.

Suggested Citation

  • Jie Zhang & Xiangli Gu & Xiaoxia Zhang & Jihye Lee & Mei Chang & Tao Zhang, 2021. "Longitudinal Effects of Motivation and Physical Activity on Depressive Symptoms among College Students," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(10), pages 1-11, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:10:p:5121-:d:552972
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Xian-Yang Lei & La-Mei Xiao & Ya-Nan Liu & Ya-Min Li, 2016. "Prevalence of Depression among Chinese University Students: A Meta-Analysis," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 11(4), pages 1-14, April.
    2. Sen-Chi Yu & Yuan-Horng Lin & Wei-Hsin Hsu, 2013. "Applying structural equation modeling to report psychometric properties of Chinese version 10-item CES-D depression scale," Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, Springer, vol. 47(3), pages 1511-1518, April.
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    Cited by:

    1. George Danut Mocanu & Gabriel Murariu & Dan Munteanu, 2021. "The Influence of Socio-Demographic Factors on the Forms of Leisure for the Students at the Faculty of Physical Education and Sports," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(23), pages 1-24, November.
    2. Liang Shen & Xiangli Gu & Tao Zhang & Joonyoung Lee, 2022. "Adolescents’ Physical Activity and Depressive Symptoms: A Psychosocial Mechanism," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(3), pages 1-9, January.
    3. Eduardo Melguizo-Ibáñez & Félix Zurita-Ortega & José Luis Ubago-Jiménez & Pilar Puertas-Molero & Gabriel González-Valero, 2022. "Motivational Climate, Anxiety and Physical Self-Concept in Trainee Physical Education Teachers—An Explanatory Model Regarding Physical Activity Practice Time," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(19), pages 1-13, October.

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