Fit to connect: The role of physical activity in enhancing social self-efficacy among students

This study aimed to explore the relationship between physical activity engagement and social self-efficacy among university students, examining how these two variables influence one another and contribute to students' overall development and well-being. Grounded in a quantitative approach, the study employed a descriptive correlation research design to assess patterns and associations without manipulating variables. A total of 732 university students were selected through simple random sampling to ensure unbiased representation. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to measure the respondents’ levels of physical activity engagement, while the Social Self-Efficacy Scale assessed their confidence in handling various social interactions. Data were analyzed using both descriptive statistics—such as frequency counts and means—and inferential statistics, particularly Pearson correlation analysis, to test the relationship between the two variables. The results revealed varied levels of physical activity engagement, with a substantial proportion of students falling under moderate to high engagement. Meanwhile, students exhibited moderate social self-efficacy, showing comfort in maintaining friendships but displaying hesitation in initiating conversations, especially in unfamiliar contexts. A weak yet statistically significant correlation between physical activity and social self-efficacy was found, indicating that students who engage more in physical activity may develop slightly higher levels of confidence in social interactions. These findings underscore the multifaceted role of physical activity in shaping not only students' physical health but also their social and emotional competence. The study implies that promoting physical activity within academic institutions could support students’ social development by enhancing their confidence in interpersonal situations. In conclusion, while the relationship between physical activity engagement and social self-efficacy is not strong, it is meaningful. Further investigation is needed to understand the underlying factors influencing this link and how they may be leveraged to improve the holistic development of students in higher education settings.