Let the Music Play: Exploring the Relationship Between Music Listening, Self-Esteem, and Subjective Vitality During Exercise Among College Students

Background: College students often experience heightened stress and mental health challenges. Previous research has suggested that physical activity and music can independently enhance subjective vitality (e.g. psychological well-being) and self-esteem. The purpose of this study was to determine to what extent music impacts college students’ subjective vitality and self-esteem while exercising in a gym or outside through the lens of Self-Determination Theory (SDT). Methods: A quantitative, observational, cross-sectional survey was conducted to investigate the impact of music on college students’ subjective vitality and self-esteem while exercising either in a gym or outdoors. A total of 200 college students completed an online survey measuring constructs related to SDT, self-esteem, and subjective vitality. The proposed model tested seven hypotheses regarding direct and indirect relationships between SDT variables, self-esteem, and subjective vitality. Results: The model explained 56.8% of the variation in self-esteem and 56.2% in subjective vitality. Autonomy and competence demonstrated significant direct effects on subjective vitality and indirect effects mediated by self-esteem. Relatedness influenced subjective vitality indirectly through self-esteem. Significant differences were found between gym and outdoor exercisers, with gym users reporting higher self-esteem and subjective vitality scores. No significant differences were identified between genders. Conclusion: Music positively influences college students’ self-esteem and subjective vitality as psychological well-being during exercise, supporting the application of SDT in this context. Enhancing these psychological outcomes through music-assisted exercise routines may contribute to students’ mental and physical health, academic performance, and personal development. Keywords: students, music, exercise, self-esteem, subjective vitality, Self-Determination Theory