Physical Activity And Psychological Well-Being In Different University Personnel

University personnel (UP) have been found to meet recommended physical activity (PA) levels (Smith et al. 2009), but the COVID-19 pandemic may have had an effect on PA in this population (Shahlaee & Nasiri, 2022). There is evidence that PA is associated with psychological well-being (PWB), such as flourishing and purpose in life (e.g., Mock & Smale, 2023; Zhang & Chen, 2021), but no research has examined PA and PWB among different UP as pandemic restrictions eased. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine PA and PWB in UP at the near-end of the pandemic. METHODS: Administrators (n = 58; Mage = 47.3 yrs), faculty (n = 170; Mage = 51.1 yrs), adjunct faculty (n = 47; Mage = 59.2 yrs), and staff (n = 256; Mage = 45.6 yrs) at a Division I university in the Midwest completed the Fall 2022 American College Health Association - National College Health Assessment that included measures of 7-day physical activity and PWB (Flourishing Scale: Diener et al., 2009). The ratio of men and women was similar (p > .05) across UP groups, but age differences were found (p < .001) so age was included as a covariate in subsequent analyses. RESULTS: Moderate PA was similar (p > .05) among UP groups (overall M = 154.5 min). Vigorous PA differed between UP groups (p < .005) with total minutes higher for adjunct faculty (M = 86.9) than staff (M = 34.1), faculty (M = 42.7), but not administrators (M = 47.1). Strength-training days differed between UP groups (p = .001) with total days higher for adjunct faculty (M = 2.4) than staff (M = 1.1), faculty (M = 1.3), but not administrators (M = 1.6). PWB differed between UP groups (p < .05) with post hoc tests revealing trends of staff having lower scores (M = 44.3) than faculty (M = 46.3), administrators (M = 47.1), but not adjunct faculty (M = 45.6). For staff, PWB was correlated with vigorous PA (r = .15, p < .05) and strength days (r = .12, p = .06). For faculty, PWB was correlated with moderate PA (r = .14, p = .08). CONCLUSIONS: Moderate PA was similar among UP groups. However, adjunct faculty reported more vigorous PA and strength days than other personnel groups, with staff reporting the lowest levels for both. Moreover, PWB was lowest among staff, and PWB was correlated with vigorous PA and strength days only in staff. Thus, university wellness activities may wish to consider staff-specific outreach efforts to improve PA and PWB.