Examining associations of ego resilience, depression, stress, and the Stages of Motivational Readiness for Change (SMRC)

Abstract

• The current study examined how ego-resilience, depression, stress, and physical activity vary according to the stages of motivational readiness for change (SMRC). • The present research investigated the correlations of the processes of change, ego resilience, stress, and depression. • The current study is the first study that investigated ego-resilience, exercise, stress, and depression in SMRC. Young adults in Europe, North America, and Asia suffer from excessive depression and stress. The study examined the variations of ego resilience, stress, and depression according to motivational readiness in exercise. The study participants were recruited at four universities in South Korea in September 2016. The 464 subjects completed an online survey. The collected data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and structural equation modeling. Female subjects, participants in low income, and freshmen had higher levels of depression. Individuals who were in a later stage of motivational readiness for change in physical activity (PA) had higher levels of ego resilience and lower levels of stress and depression. Ego resilience had correlations with processes of change ( r = 0.29, p < 0.001), depression ( r = -0.78, p < 0.001), and stress ( r = -0.82, p < 0.001). Processes of change had correlations with depression ( r = -0.24, p < 0.001) and stress ( r = -0.14, p < 0.01). The present study did not define directional relationships among the variables. The direct comparison of the data analysis results to other studies was limited. The application of the current study's findings to youth or older adults can be limited. Individuals who are more motivated to be physically active have higher ego resilience and lower stress and depression. Higher ego-resilience and lower stress and anxiety can be found in people who are cognitively and behaviorally trying to increase or maintain PA, even before they truly become physically active.