Influence of Psychological Factors Related with Body Image Perception on Resistance to Physical Activity amongst University Students in Southern Spain

Abstract

Background: University students face significant challenges in maintaining healthy physical activity (PA) and dietary habits, and they often fall short of global health recommendations. Psychological factors such as social physique anxiety, body image concerns, and self-objectification may act as barriers to PA engagement, influencing both mental and physical health. The present study constructed a structural equation model (SEM) to examine the relationship between body image-related psychological factors and resistance to PA in university students from southern Spain. Methods: A cross-sectional and correlational study was conducted with 519 university students (74% females, 26% males; Mean age = 21.14 ± 3.26 years) from universities in Granada and Malaga (Spain). Data were collected between May and October 2024 via online questionnaires that assessed PA engagement, Mediterranean diet adherence, eating disorder symptoms, body image-related psychological factors (social physique anxiety, appearance control beliefs, body surveillance, body shame, and self-esteem), and sociodemographic characteristics. SEM was performed to analyze relationships and sex-based differences. Results: Social physique anxiety was positively associated with body shame, body surveillance, and eating disorders, and negatively associated with self-esteem, PA engagement, and appearance control beliefs (all p < 0.001). Appearance control beliefs were positively related to self-esteem, body surveillance, and PA (all p < 0.05). Body surveillance was negatively linked to PA and positively linked to body shame. Mediterranean diet adherence and eating disorders were positively associated with PA (all p < 0.001). Sex-based differences were observed in the model. Conclusion: Body image-related psychological factors may act as barriers to PA among university students. Interventions should integrate mental health promotion and consider sex differences.