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Running in Natural Spaces: Gender Analysis of Its Relationship with Emotional Intelligence, Psychological Well-Being, and Physical Activity

Author

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  • Yolanda Campos-Uscanga

    (Instituto de Salud Pública, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa 91190, Mexico)

  • Hannia Reyes-Rincón

    (Instituto de Salud Pública, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa 91190, Mexico)

  • Eduardo Pineda

    (Red de Biología y Conservación de Vertebrados, Instituto de Ecología A.C., Xalapa 91070, Mexico)

  • Santiago Gibert-Isern

    (Dimensión Natural S.C., Coatepec 91608, Mexico)

  • Saraí Ramirez-Colina

    (Sistema de Atención Integral a la Salud, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa 91020, Mexico)

  • Vianey Argüelles-Nava

    (Instituto de Salud Pública, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa 91190, Mexico)

Abstract

Running is a complete and accessible physical exercise for the population, but little research has been done on the psychological and environmental variables related to its practice. The objective of this research was to determine how emotional intelligence, psychological well-being, and body dissatisfaction are related to running in natural spaces for men and women. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 331 runners from 20 states of the Mexican Republic (55.3% women), between 18 and 80 years old (m = 37.4; SD = 11.5), with an average of 7 years running experience (SD = 9.3). The Brief Emotional Intelligence Inventory, the Psychological Well-Being Scale, and the Body Shape Questionnaire were used. The results show that men who run in natural spaces have greater psychological well-being and emotional intelligence (stress management) and less body dissatisfaction, and they run more days per week than those who run in built spaces. Predictors of running in natural spaces were greater psychological well-being and emotional intelligence (stress management). On the other hand, women who run in natural spaces show lower emotional intelligence (stress management) and run for more minutes per day. The predictors for running in natural spaces were identified as lower emotional intelligence (stress management), running for more minutes per day, and practicing another physical exercise. In conclusion, in this heterogeneous sample, natural environments are likely to be related to better performance and certain psychological indicators for runners. However, these relationships differ between men and women, so further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm our findings.

Suggested Citation

  • Yolanda Campos-Uscanga & Hannia Reyes-Rincón & Eduardo Pineda & Santiago Gibert-Isern & Saraí Ramirez-Colina & Vianey Argüelles-Nava, 2022. "Running in Natural Spaces: Gender Analysis of Its Relationship with Emotional Intelligence, Psychological Well-Being, and Physical Activity," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(10), pages 1-10, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:10:p:6019-:d:816124
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Ashley D. Tegart & Nadine Schuurman & Stella R. Harden, 2025. "Runnability: A Scoping Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(1), pages 1-34, January.

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