engleski

Association of Physical Activity with Self- Perceived Stress and Life Satisfaction among Middle-Aged Employees

Background: Physical activity has numerous positive effects on physical and psychological health. However, there is little evidence about specific contributions of different domains of physical activity (PA) to the self-perceived stress and life satisfaction in middle-age employees. Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the association of PA in different domains (work, domestic, transport, and leisure-time) with life satisfaction and perceived level of stress within and outside of job domain. Methods: Study was conducted on a stratified random sample of 761 Croatian middle-aged employees (52% females and 48% males). Participants were face-to-face interviewed using International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) and two questions regarding self-perceived stress. Results: Multiple regression analyses controlled for demographics, showed a significant positive relation between domestic PA and perceived stress within job (β = -0.15) and outside of job domain (β = -0.13) for females. In male sample, work PA was negatively related (β = -0.12) while leisure PA was positively related (β = 0.18) to satisfaction with life. Conclusions: The findings suggest that levels of PA in different domains are differently related to self-perceived stress and life satisfaction and that the pattern of associations is different for females and males. Obtained differences might result from gender-specific characteristics of domestic and work PA as well as from gender differences in motives for participating in leisure time PA.

Physical activty; self-perceived stress; employees

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