Abstract
BackgroundMental health disorders are major contributors to the global burden of disease and their inverse relationship with physical activity is widely accepted. However, research on the association between physical activity and positive mental health outcomes is limited. Happiness is an example of a positive construct of mental health that may be promoted by physical activity and could increase resilience to emotional perturbations. The aim of this study is to use a large multi-country dataset to assess the association of happiness with physical activity volume and its specificity to intensity and/or activity domain.MethodsWe analysed Eurobarometer 2002 data from 15 countries (n = 11,637). This comprised one question assessing self-reported happiness on a six point scale (dichotomised: happy/unhappy) and physical activity data collected using the IPAQ-short (i.e. walking, moderate, vigorous) and four domain specific items (i.e. domestic, leisure, transport, vocation). Logistic regression was used to examine the association between happiness and physical activity volume adjusted for sex, age, country, general health, relationship status, employment and education. Analyses of intensity and domain specificity were assessed by logistic regression adjusted for the same covariates and physical activity volume.ResultsWhen compared to inactive people, there was a positive dose–response association between physical activity volume and happiness (highly active: OR = 1.52 [1.28-1.80]; sufficiently active: OR = 1.29 [1.11-1.49]; insufficiently active: OR = 1.20 [1.03-1.39]). There were small positive associations with happiness for walking (OR = 1.02 [1.00-1.03]) and vigorous-intensity physical activity (OR = 1.03 [1.01-1.05). Moderate-intensity physical activity was not associated with happiness (OR = 1.01 [0.99-1.03]). The strongest domain specific associations with happiness were found for “a lot” of domestic (OR = 1.42 [1.20-1.68]) and “some” vocational (OR = 1.33 [1.08-1.64]) physical activity. Happiness was also associated with “a lot” of leisure physical activity (OR = 1.15 [1.02-1.30]), but there were no significant associations for the transport domain.ConclusionsIncreasing physical activity volume was associated with higher levels of happiness. Although the influence of physical activity intensity appeared minimal, the association with happiness was domain specific and was strongest for “a lot” of domestic and/or “some” vocational physical activity. Future studies to establish causation are indicated and may prompt changes in how physical activity for improving mental health is promoted.
Highlights
Mental health disorders are major contributors to the global burden of disease and their inverse relationship with physical activity is widely accepted
This paucity of research is evident in physical activity behaviour change messages that have previously focused on disease prevention rather than the promotion of positive mental health outcomes
Findings from our study indicate that increasing volumes of physical activity are associated with higher levels of happiness
Summary
Mental health disorders are major contributors to the global burden of disease and their inverse relationship with physical activity is widely accepted. Happiness is an example of a positive construct of mental health that may be promoted by physical activity and could increase resilience to emotional perturbations. There is less evidence regarding the relationship between physical activity and positive mental health constructs that may subsequently increase resilience to emotional perturbations [4,7,8,9]. This paucity of research is evident in physical activity behaviour change messages that have previously focused on disease prevention rather than the promotion of positive mental health outcomes (e.g. physical activity to prevent depression rather than to promote happiness). It is thought that examining positive components of mental well-being, such as happiness, may identify new opportunities to apply health promotion models to physical activity interventions and improve mental health outcomes [10]
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