Gender differences in the relation of personality traits and self-presentation with physical activity

Abstract

Summary Objectives The purpose of this study was to examine the relation of physical activity with personality traits and self-presentation and gender differences in this relation. Methods Two hundred thirteen female (M age = 21.73 ± 1.63), 247 male (M age = 22.37 ± 2.19) exercisers voluntarily participated in this study. The Five Factor Personality Inventory (short version), Self Presentation in Exercise Questionnaire and The short version of International Physical Activity Questionnaire was administered to participants. Results Regression analysis indicated that openness to experience was a significant predictor of moderate physical activity in females. On the other hand, agreeableness, emotional stability and conscientiousness were related to vigorous physical activity in males. Analysis also revealed significant relationship between vigorous physical activity and impression motivation in both males and females. Furthermore, impression construction was also associated with vigorous physical activity in females. Conclusion This study extended the previous studies on Western culture to non-western culture of Turkey and also provided some explanation for inconclusive results about the gender differences in the relationship of personality and physical activity. The study also examined the relationship between self-presentation and physical activity in terms of gender, which is less frequently studied. The findings of this study indicated that the pattern of relation of physical activity with personality traits differed with regard to gender. For males, personality characteristic were related with vigorous physical activity but for females personality is predictor of moderate physical activity. The patterns of relation of physical activity with self-presentation are similar for males and females and self-presentation is related with the vigorous physical activity for both gender.