Orchids at the Gym: Investigating Connections Among Sensory Processing Sensitivity, Preferred Physical Activity Environments, and Physical Activity Self-Efficacy in Ontario University Students

Physical activity (PA) participation often declines at university. Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS), a fairly common personality trait amplifying individuals’ emotional responses to their environments, may affect perceptions of university PA environments. This study aimed to investigate relationships between SPS and (1) PA-related environmental preferences, and (2) PA self-efficacy, in Ontario university students. Full-time undergraduates (n = 425) completed an online survey including demographics; the Highly Sensitive Person-12 Item Scale; physical activity context preferences; and the Self-Efficacy for Physical Activity Scale. Results indicated higher SPS was associated with lower PA self-efficacy; decreased preferences for competitive, team-based, and higher-volume PA environments; and increased preferences for PA that was structured, scheduled, low-cost, involved same-gender peers, had an adjustable level of difficulty, was not just about exercise, and could be performed at home or in a quiet environment. Results may inform university-based efforts to design PA-promoting environments for undergraduate students with different personality types.