Exploring the Relationships of Physical Activity, Emotional Intelligence, and Mental Health Among College Students

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship among physical activity (PA), emotionalintelligence (EI), and mental health in a sample of university undergraduate students (n=438). All participants were asked to complete three standardized assessments: the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, the Schutte Self-Report Emotional Intelligence Test, and the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale. Results showed that participants who reported higher levels of PA scored significantly higher in Global EI (p = 0.031) and mental health (p = 0.049) compared to participants with moderate and low levels of PA. Results also indicated that whereas Global EI was a significant predictor of PA, it was mediated by the relationship between mental health and PA.