Individual differences, exercise and leisure activity in predicting affective well-being in young adults

This study focuses on the prevalence of exercise and health-related leisure activities (smoking, drinking), across groups of subjects, defined by pers onality and gender, in relation to subjective well-being. Results from a cr oss-sectional survey of 187 participants are reported. Males (n= 80) report ed more drinking (p <0.001) and smoking (p <0.001) than females, though the y also reported higher habitual physical activity levels (p <0.001). Female s (n= 107) reported more frequent use of social support coping (p <0.01). T here was a positive association between extraversion and self-reported habi tual physical activity as well as alcohol consumption (even when controllin g for gender). Neuroticism was not related to any of the exercise and leisu re activity variables. Multiple regression analyses predicted 34% of varian ce for the depression-enthusiasmand 39% of the variance for the anxiety-con tentment measures of affective well-being. Neuroticism (p <0.001) and avoid ance coping (p <0.05) were the only significant predictors of both anxiety- contentment and depression-enthusiasm. It is concluded that the influence o f individual differences such as personality and gender on coping behaviour and well-being is consistent with social learning theory research. Limitat ions of cross-sectional research designs necessitate caution with inferring causal paths. Recommendations for future research are presented concerning the use and value of repeated measures designs within research into exerci se and well-being.