Promoting physical activity to reduce anxiety in conflict-affected college students: gender-specific challenges and evidence-based public-health opportunities

Physical activity (PA) supports mental wellbeing, resilience, and overall health. However, maintaining adequate PA levels becomes particularly challenging during periods of societal instability. This study examined the relationships between physical activity, coping strategies, and state anxiety among 309 Israeli university students (aged 19–46 years) during an armed conflict in 2025, with the aim of identifying evidence-based opportunities to promote active lifestyles in high-stress environments. Data were analyzed using t-tests, ANOVA, MANOVA, correlational analyses, and Fisher’s Z comparisons. Higher levels of physical activity, particularly vigorous exercise, were associated with lower anxiety levels. In contrast, avoidant coping showed the strongest association with anxiety (η 2 = .149). Women reported higher anxiety levels and greater reliance on emotion-focused coping strategies than men (d = 0.43). These findings highlight the importance of physical activity and adaptive coping strategies as potential contributors to psychological resilience among university students during periods of armed conflict.