Depressive Symptoms Related to Domain-Specific Physical Activity

Authors

Ola Iduma, California State University, Bakersfield
Zachary Zenko, California State University, BakersfieldFollow

Abstract

Physical activity is positively associated with mental health. Exercise interventions have been shown to be effective for reducing depression. However, less is known about the role of domain-specific physical activity in mental health. PURPOSE: The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine the relationship between physical activity across domains (domestic/household, transportation-related, occupational, leisure-time) and depressive symptoms. METHODS: After obtaining ethical approval, 111 adults (75 men, 35 women, 1 non-binary person; mean age: 36 ± 10 years) completed an online survey. Physical activity in each domain was assessed with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Depressive symptoms were assessed with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). RESULTS: Depressive symptoms in the sample were fairly low, with 50% of participants scoring less than 14 on the CES-D. Analyses revealed no associations between depressive symptoms and physical activity in any domain (ps > .05). CONCLUSION: These findings contrast with more recent findings demonstrating that physical activity across domains is associated with fewer depressive symptoms. Possible explanations for the conflicting results include different methods and a less diverse and representative sample in the current exploratory study.

Recommended Citation

Iduma, Ola and Zenko, Zachary (2021) "Depressive Symptoms Related to Domain-Specific Physical Activity," International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 14: Iss. 1, Article 80.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol14/iss1/80