Gender differences in stress, resilience, and physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate gender differences in physical activity (PA), stress and resiliency during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants: Students (n = 300) at a southeastern US university. Methods: Perceived Stress (PSS), Resiliency (BRS), Life Events (LEI), and PA were recorded via online survey in Summer 2020. PSS, BRS, LEI, and PA were compared between males and females. Two-way ANOVAs examined gender and frequency effects on PSS and BRS. Results: Females had lower BRS and higher PSS and LEI scores than males (all p < .001). PSS/BRS scores were more strongly correlated with PA in males. Significant gender × frequency interactions were found for PSS (vigorous, p = .03) and for BRS (moderate, p = .049). There was a significant main effect of frequency for PSS with strength training (p < .001). Conclusions: Results suggest that interventions may be particularly needed for females and those with low PA levels.