A Comparative Study of Anxiety and Stress in Relation to Participation in Physical Education Among College Students

Psychological well-being plays a vital role in the academic and personal development of college students. Anxiety and stress are two common psychological conditions that significantly influence student performance, social interaction, and overall quality of life. The present study aims to compare anxiety and stress levels among students who actively participate in physical education programs and those who do not engage in regular physical activity. A descriptive comparative research design was adopted. A total of 100 students (50 physically active and 50 physically inactive) aged 18–25 years were selected through random sampling. Standardized Anxiety and Stress Scales were used for data collection. Statistical techniques including mean, standard deviation, independent samples t-test, and Pearson correlation were applied. The findings revealed that physically active students reported significantly lower anxiety and stress levels compared to inactive students. A positive correlation between anxiety and stress was also observed. The study concludes that structured physical education plays a crucial role in managing psychological distress among college students.