Personality Traits and Physical Activity: Insights from German University Students

This study explores the intriguing relationship between personality traits, self-rated fitness (SRF), and physical activity (PA) variables among German university students (N = 4244) sheds light on impact of adherence to PA guidelines. Employing an online cross-sectional study, short-form Big Five Inventory-2 assessed five domains traits (Extraversion, Negative Emotionality, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, Open-Mindedness). PA, including sitting time, was using International Physical Activity Questionnaire (short-form). SRF muscle-strengthening activities (MSA) were with one item each. Multiple linear logistic regression analyses examined associations individual trait all combined SFR, variables, guidelines, controlling for sociodemographic, behavioral, (mental) health covariates. Most reliably, Extraversion Conscientiousness revealed positive while Emotionality yielded inverse relationships variables. For instance, each unit increase in corresponded additional 17 min weekly MSA. On contrary, daily time unrelated personality. Of note, high Open-Mindedness associated lower odds adhering current The findings have implications developing targeted interventions that promote a physically active lifestyle support students’ well-being academic success.