Physical activity and analogue anxiety disorder symptoms and status: Mediating influence of social physique anxiety

Abstract Background Associations between physical activity (PA) and subclinical anxiety disorder symptoms status, potential mediating effect of social physique (SPA), remain understudied. We examined associations PA analogue Generalized Anxiety Disorder (AGAD), Social (ASAD), Panic (APD) the SPA, sex-related differences. Methods Participants (n = 470, 23.2 ± 4.8 years, 298 female) completed Psychiatric Diagnostic Screening Questionnaire, seven-day recall, Physique Scale. ANCOVA differences in SPA levels. Logistic regression status. Mediation analyses estimated change on odds when was at its mean. Results AGAD, ASAD, APD prevalence 38.1%, 60.0%, 15.1%, respectively. AGAD ASAD symptoms, but not were significantly lower among higher associated with APD; findings significant after adjustment. The pure indirect accounted for 58.2% 47.9% total respectively; adjusting depression. Females showed greater mediation did differ based gender. Limitations Cross-sectional design, self-reported exposure outcomes, sample size are limitations. Conclusion Symptoms status young adults PA; partially mediated warrants experimental investigation.