Gender differences in physical activity are partially explained by anxiety sensitivity in post-secondary students

Abstract

Objective: Female post-secondary students typically engage in less physical activity than their male counterparts. Given that women have greater anxiety sensitivity (ie, fear of arousal-based body sensations) and anxiety sensitivity is inversely related to physical activity participation, this study sought to determine if anxiety sensitivity mediates gender differences in self-reported physical activity. Participants and methods: A sample of 802 post-secondary students completed the Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3 and a Lifestyles Questionnaire in September 2017. Results: Women reported significantly less physical activity and significantly greater anxiety sensitivity. Anxiety sensitivity was significantly and inversely related to self-reported physical activity. A significant indirect effect of gender on physical activity via anxiety sensitivity was shown (B = 5.56, SE = 2.81, p < .05, 95% CI [1.31, 12.78], P_M = .0843). Conclusions: Results suggest that anxiety sensitivity partially explains gender differences in physical activity. Anxiety sensitivity reduction interventions might increase physical activity participation and reduce the existing gender gap.

Keywords:

• Anxiety sensitivity
• avoidance
• gender differences
• physical activity

Conflict of interest disclosure

The authors have no conflicts of interest to report. The authors confirm that the research presented in this article met the ethical guidelines, including adherence to the legal requirements, of Canada and received approval from the Institutional Review Board of Dalhousie University.

Acknowledgment

The authors thank Pam Collins and Noelle Strickland for their research assistance.

Additional information

Funding

This work was funded by Canada Research Chairs, Nova Scotia Health Research Foundation, University of Málaga, St. Francis Xavier University Jules Léger Chair, Government of Nova Scotia, Social Sciences, José Castillejo Program from the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities (grant number, CAS18/00263), and Humanities Research Council of Canada.