摘要
Background:University students face significant challenges inmaintaining healthy physical activity(PA)and dietary habits,and they often fall short of global health recommendations.Psychological factors such as social physique anxiety,body image concerns,and self-objectification may act as barriers to PA engagement,influencing both mental and physical health.The present study constructed a structural equation model(SEM)to examine the relationship between body image-related psychological factors and resistance to PA in university students from southern Spain.Methods:A cross-sectional and correlational study was conducted with 519 university students(74%females,26%males;Mean age=21.14±3.26 years)from universities in Granada and Malaga(Spain).Data were collected between May and October 2024 via online questionnaires that assessed PA engagement,Mediterranean diet adherence,eating disorder symptoms,body image-related psychological factors(social physique anxiety,appearance control beliefs,body surveillance,body shame,and self-esteem),and sociodemographic characteristics.SEM was performed to analyze relationships and sex-based differences.Results:Social physique anxietywas positively associated with body shame,body surveillance,and eating disorders,and negatively associated with self-esteem,PA engagement,and appearance control beliefs(all p<0.001).Appearance control beliefs were positively related to self-esteem,body surveillance,and PA(all p<0.05).Body surveillance was negatively linked to PA and positively linked to body shame.Mediterranean diet adherence and eating disorders were positively associated with PA(all p<0.001).Sex-based differences were observed in the model.Conclusion:Body image-related psychological factors may act as barriers to PA among university students.Interventions should integrate mental health promotion and consider sex differences.
基金
financially supported by the Vice-Rector’s Office for Research and Transfer at the University of Granada(Grant Ref.PPJIB2023-084)
Spanish Ministry of Universities(Grants Ref.FPU20/02739 and FPU20/01987)
Maria de Maeztu Excellence Unit Program funded by the Ministry of Science,Innovation and Ministry of Universities attached to the State Research Agency(Grant Ref.CEX2023-001312-M/AEI/10.13039/501100011033)
the Excellence Unit funded by the University of Granada(Grant Ref.UCE-PP2023-11/UGR.).
