Subjective Vitality: A Benefit of Self-Directed, Leisure Time Physical Activity

Subjective vitality is a form of eudemonic well-being and signifies the availability of energy that an individual can use to adaptively engage with their environment. Subjective vitality is a positive predictor of physical health outcomes and overall well-being. Prior work with older adults has shown that individuals who follow prescribed or structured physical activity programs experience increases in subjective vitality. There is limited research testing whether self-directed, leisure time physical activity is associated with similar improvements in subjective vitality. Three studies tested whether self-directed, leisure time physical activity leads to higher subjective vitality among a population of emerging adults. All three studies supported the hypothesis that subjective vitality is higher following a session of self-directed, leisure time physical activity than before. Study 2 further showed that the influence of self-directed, leisure time physical activity was tied to active participation and was not triggered through simple recall of a recent episode of self-directed, leisure time physical activity. Study 3 suggested the influence of self-directed, leisure time physical activity on subjective vitality dissipates quickly. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that self-directed, leisure time physical activity could serve as an effective means of providing individuals with immediate boosts in subjective vitality. Such boosts may facilitate adaptive behaviors that, in turn, support future health and well-being. Implications for theory and research are discussed.