The Impact of Regular Exercise on Psychological Optimism Among Women

ABSTRACT The Impact of Regular Exercise on Psychological Optimism Among Women Deepak J P1, Dr. Shree Lakshmi P2, Hima N R3, Namratha N4, Wajiha Rafeeq5 Optimism and physical activity are crucial for well-being, yet their relationship among Indian women, a significant demographic (23% of India's total and 48% of its female population as per the 2011 Census), remains insufficiently explored. This study investigated this link in 128 women aged 18-45 years in Bengaluru, comprising both regular exercisers and non-exercisers. Optimism was assessed using the Life Orientation Test (LOT-R), and physical activity via the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) recreational MET scores. Descriptive analysis revealed that both optimism scores (Mean=13.19, SD=4.10) and weekly MET-minutes (Mean=720, SD=1021.10) exhibited non-normal distributions. A statistically significant positive correlation (rs​=0.27,p<0.001) was found between MET-minutes and optimism, suggesting that higher physical activity levels are associated with increased optimism. Comparative analyses showed that exercisers (N=64, Mean optimism=14.59, SD=3.32) reported significantly higher optimism than non-exercisers (N=64, Mean optimism=11.78, SD=4.34) (Mann-Whitney U = 2784.50, p < 0.001). Further, high-intensity exercisers (N=28, Mean optimism=16.00, SD=3.49) demonstrated significantly greater optimism than moderate-intensity exercisers (N=36, Mean optimism=13.50, SD=2.77) (Mann-Whitney U = 692.00, p = 0.011), and also non-exercisers (rs​=0.32,p<0.001). However, the correlation between moderate-intensity exercise and optimism was not statistically significant (rs​=0.18,p=0.07), nor was the direct comparison of optimism between moderate-intensity and non-exercise groups (Mann-Whitney U = 1416.50, p = 0.057). These findings collectively indicate that consistent physical activity, particularly at higher intensities, is significantly associated with enhanced optimism in women. Key Words – Optimism, Psychological Well-Being, Physical Activity, Exercise