The effects of a less active generation on both physical and mental health in modern society
No Thumbnail Available
Authors
McAuley, Sinead
Issue Date
2012
Degree
BA (Hons) in Social Science
Publisher
Dublin Business School
Rights holder
Rights
Items in Esource are protected by copyright. Previously published items are made available in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher/copyright holder.
Abstract
The overall aim of this study is to analyse the physical health, by testing body mass index, and mental health, by measuring anxiety and self-esteem levels, of two hundred participants. A quantitative research design was completed for this research and therefore each participant completed a questionnaire in which one hundred of these participants exercised regularly and one hundred engaged in little or no exercise. Correlations and t-tests were completed using SPSS 17 for windows in order to examine the BMI, anxiety and self-esteem levels of each participant. The results showed a significant difference that BMI levels and anxiety levels were higher and self-esteem levels were lower for those who did little or no exercise in comparison to those who exercised regularly. The results also concluded that an astounding quantity of participants were unhappy with their body image and an overwhelming amount of those who engaged in little or no exercise were overweight and suffering with obesity despite the fact that the majority of participants agreed that exercise could maintain and prevent this. Author keywords: Excerise, physical activity, mental health, physical health, body mass index, anxiety, self-esteem