Physical activity and mental well-being typologies in corporate employees: A mixed methods approach

Abstract

There is now a body of evidence suggesting that physical activity contributes to physical and mental well-being. The aim of the study was to identify physical activity and mental well-being typologies in corporate employees, using both quantitative and qualitative research methods. This method of identification of at-risk groups may inform efforts to design and deliver more cost-effective wellness interventions in the workplace. In the quantitative phase, participants were 312 corporate employees (n=204 males and n=108 females), representing various job roles in a multi-national IT company. The mean age of the participants was 34.1 (SD=8.1). Questionnaires were administered through the internet to measure physical activity and indicators of global, work-related, and physical well-being. A hierarchical cluster analysis examined the number of physical activity and well-being clusters. Four distinct clusters were identified, and validated statistically by means of a MANOVA test on mental well-being indicators not used in the clustering. Furthermore, ten semi-structured interviews were conducted with 5 male and 5 female participants, representing cases from each of the cluster groups. This was to determine the degree of fit between the cluster description and the individual interview accounts, and to provide a richer source of information regarding the underpinnings of the clusters. The results demonstrate the value and efficacy of using a multi-method approach to identify potential target populations for further study and for targeted interventions.