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A Systematic Review of the Relationship Between Physical Activity and Happiness

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  • Zhanjia Zhang

    (University of Michigan)

  • Weiyun Chen

    (University of Michigan)

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the relationship between physical activity and happiness through systematically reviewing the existing literature. A systematic search of major databases including PubMed/Medline, PsychInfo, SportDiscus, and Embase was performed in 2017 for original research articles published post-1980 with the related keywords of happiness and physical activity. From 1142 retrieved records, fifteen observational studies (thirteen cross-sectional studies and two longitudinal studies) and eight intervention studies (six randomized controlled trials and two non-randomized trials) were included for further analysis. These studies involved a wide range of population from various countries and areas. All the observational studies reported positive associations between physical activity and happiness. As little as 10-min physical activity per week or 1 day of doing exercise per week might result in increased levels of happiness. Mediation effects were examined in two studies indicating the positive relationship between physical activity and happiness might be mediated by health and social functioning. The randomized controlled trials mostly focused on older adults and cancer survivors, and suggested that both aerobic exercise and stretching/balancing exercise were effective in improving happiness. Evidence showed a consistent positive relationship between physical activity and happiness. However, due to the limited number of randomized controlled trials, we cannot draw firm conclusions regarding the causal relationship between physical activity and happiness. Future research is suggested to explore the mechanism of how physical activity influences happiness and to determine the optimal dose and type of physical activity for gaining the benefits of happiness.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhanjia Zhang & Weiyun Chen, 2019. "A Systematic Review of the Relationship Between Physical Activity and Happiness," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 20(4), pages 1305-1322, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jhappi:v:20:y:2019:i:4:d:10.1007_s10902-018-9976-0
    DOI: 10.1007/s10902-018-9976-0
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    4. Sumaira Kayani & Jin Wang & Michele Biasutti & María Luisa Zagalaz Sánchez & Tayyaba Kiyani & Saima Kayani, 2020. "Mechanism Between Physical Activity and Academic Anxiety: Evidence from Pakistan," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(9), pages 1-17, April.
    5. František Chmelík & Karel Frömel & Dorota Groffik & Michal Šafář & Josef Mitáš, 2021. "Does Vigorous Physical Activity Contribute to Adolescent Life Satisfaction?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(5), pages 1-12, February.
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    13. Elina Engberg & Carola Ray & Suvi Määttä & Rejane A. O. Figueiredo & Marja H. Leppänen & Riikka Pajulahti & Leena Koivusilta & Liisa Korkalo & Kaija Nissinen & Henna Vepsäläinen & Nina Sajaniemi & Mai, 2022. "Parental Happiness Associates With the Co-occurrence of Preschool-Aged Children’s Healthy Energy Balance-Related Behaviors," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 23(4), pages 1493-1507, April.
    14. Hernández-Pizarro, Helena M. & Maynou, Laia, 2024. "The effects of physical activity prescription on mental health: evidence from primary care," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 125665, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    15. Hsin-Yu An & Wei Chen & Cheng-Wei Wang & Hui-Fei Yang & Wan-Ting Huang & Sheng-Yu Fan, 2020. "The Relationships between Physical Activity and Life Satisfaction and Happiness among Young, Middle-Aged, and Older Adults," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(13), pages 1-10, July.
    16. Chyi Liang & Pei-Ling Wu & Po-Fu Lee & Chien-Chang Ho, 2021. "Association of Regular Leisure-Time Physical Activity with Happiness among Middle-Aged and Older Adults in Taiwan," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(15), pages 1-10, August.
    17. Vu Bich Ngoc & Nguyen Le Hoang Thuy To Quyen, 2023. "Investigating determinants of quality of life: The case of older people in Ho Chi Minh City," HO CHI MINH CITY OPEN UNIVERSITY JOURNAL OF SCIENCE - SOCIAL SCIENCES, HO CHI MINH CITY OPEN UNIVERSITY JOURNAL OF SCIENCE, HO CHI MINH CITY OPEN UNIVERSITY, vol. 13(1), pages 160-176.
    18. Costas N. Tsouloupas & Constantinos M. Kokkinos, 2023. "Mind, Body, and Pandemic: Understanding the Complex Relationships Between Subjective Well-Being, Physical Activity, and Perceived Multi-Dimensional COVID-19 Impact," SAGE Open, , vol. 13(4), pages 21582440231, November.
    19. Michael Mutz & Anne K. Reimers & Yolanda Demetriou, 2021. "Leisure Time Sports Activities and Life Satisfaction: Deeper Insights Based on a Representative Survey from Germany," Applied Research in Quality of Life, Springer;International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies, vol. 16(5), pages 2155-2171, October.
    20. Liz O’Brien & Jack Forster, 2021. "Physical Activity Supporting Connection to Nature, and Helping to Maintain Wellbeing during the Covid-19 Restrictions in England," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(9), pages 1-13, April.
    21. Francesca Douglas & Kim Beasy & Kate Sollis & Emily J. Flies, 2024. "Online, Experiential Sustainability Education Can Improve Students’ Self-Reported Environmental Attitudes, Behaviours and Wellbeing," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(6), pages 1-17, March.
    22. Wenjing Xu & Zhi Li & Yudong Wang & KeJun Ma & Lu Liu & Yijun Bao & Xin Shi, 2024. "Public Health and Children’s Subjective Well-Being," Child Indicators Research, Springer;The International Society of Child Indicators (ISCI), vol. 17(4), pages 1471-1493, August.

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