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

AbstractSubjective 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 behavi...
Source: Journal of Happiness Studies - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Source Type: research