Date of Award

5-2021

Degree Type

Honors College Thesis

Academic Program

Public Health BS

Department

Community Health Sciences

First Advisor

Anna Porter Ph.D.

Advisor Department

Community Health Sciences

Abstract

The present study investigated the association between team and individual sports participation and the physical activity levels of college students at the University of Southern Mississippi. Participants (n=72) responded to the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) to determine their physical activity levels over the duration of one week. Participants also responded to the Participation Motivation Questionnaire (PMQ) to examine the similarities and differences in motivation among current, former, and never athletes. Participants who classified themselves as current and former athletes reported spending more time engaged in physical activity than never athletes. Among current athletes, former athletes, and never athletes, all three groups selected physical fitness as the primary motivation for engaging in physical activity. Given that physical activity is a crucial part of living a healthy life, more research is needed to better understand sports participation and the role it has on the physical activity levels of college students.

Share

COinS