Exercise As A Stress Management Technique During The Covid-19 Pandemic: College Student Gender Differences

Abstract

PURPOSE: Psychological stress is a major concern in college students, which can lead to negative health consequences, such as depression. The COVID-19 pandemic has increased psychological stress throughout the United States population, especially affecting the college student population. Stress management techniques differ between individuals but participating in exercise has been shown to have a large effect in preventing and treating psychological stress. Psychological stress affects individuals differently based on demographics, especially gender. The purpose of this study is to understand possible gender differences between how using exercise as a stress management technique predicts perceived stress levels during the COVID-19 pandemic in college students. METHODS: Students completed an online survey to self-report their stress management techniques, perceived stress (PSS-10) levels, grade point average (GPA) and demographics (age, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity). Independent samples t-tests compared each PSS-10 item for those who did/not use exercise as a stress management technique for each gender. Separate linear regression models compared perceived stress levels in those who did/not use exercise as a stress management tool for each gender. GPA, sexual orientation, and race/ethnicity were included as covariates. RESULTS: Data from 384 students were analyzed. Four PSS-10 items containing a sense of ‘control on life’ showed significant (p < 0.05) differences in women who did/not use exercise as a stress management technique. Women who used exercise as a stress management technique reported significantly lower levels of perceived stress compared to those women who did not (p < 0.05). Men who used exercise as a stress management technique showed no significant differences in perceived stress levels with those who did not. CONCLUSIONS: University officials should recognize gender differences in stress among their students when creating programs/interventions to prevent and treat student psychological stress. Especially with the COVID-19 pandemic, college students are at a higher risk of experiencing psychological stress, making it important to focus on the health and well-being of all students.