1. Longevity versus Looks: Perceived Benefits of Exercise among Kentucky University Students.
- Author
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Halliwell, Brianna, Larkin, Laurie, Larkin, James, Bryden, Phyllis, and Schwartz, Laurel
- Subjects
PERCEIVED benefit ,LONGEVITY ,COLLEGE students ,HEALTH behavior ,EXERCISE therapy ,HABIT - Abstract
As college students gain newfound freedom, they are at a pivotal moment to shift their health habits. The purpose of this study was to analyze college students’ perceived benefits of exercise, whether it be longevity or aesthetic appearance related to demographic factors. This study included a diverse sample of students attending a regional Kentucky university, all recruited through a campus fitness-testing event. Participants completed the “Exercise Benefits and Barriers” (EBBS; Sechrist, Walker, & Pender, 1987) survey and various fitness tests. Study findings indicate insignificant relationships across the benefit of living longer in relation to age (traditional versus non-traditional), obesity status, and class standing. However, exercising to improve appearance was significantly reported more often across genders and improving longevity across obesity statuses. Based on these results, we recommend future student focused exercise interventions for students to include the importance of exercise benefits (both appearance and longevity). Additionally, exercise as a factor of susceptibility to improve cues to actions for individuals- to exercise should be constant. Given the importance of appearance benefits, future health promotion efforts should leverage this benefit to motivate students to be active. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022