Physical activity levels and psychological parameters among university students following the COVID-19 pandemic

Background The worldwide pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus has profoundly impacted virtually every aspect of life. The education sector was also significantly impacted, with numerous educational institutions adopting online learning due to the pandemic. The university period is one of substantial transformation and transition for young individuals. During this educational stage, the advent of emerging social networks, coupled with the necessity for effective network management, can precipitate stress in university students, potentially leading to alterations in their psychological wellbeing. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of physical activity (PA) levels among university students on self-confidence, psychological resilience and self-efficacy, with a particular focus on the influence of gender and school year. Methods The study was a cross-sectional design. Sample comprised 2,868 undergraduate students, 1,405 female and 1,463 male, enrolled in 10 different faculties at Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University. The participants were administered the International PA Questionnaire, the General Self-Confidence Scale, the Psychological Resilience Scale and the Self-Efficacy Scale. Results Significant difference was observed between the general self-efficacy score of participants with low and medium PA levels and those with high levels of PA. The psychological resilience variable was affected by the level of PA. Individuals with a low level of PA exhibited a lower level of psychological resilience than those with a medium or high level of PA. Upon analysis of self-confidence, both internal and external self-confidence scores demonstrated an upward trajectory for the low, medium, and high PA groups. Furthermore, the results of the study indicated that as the level of PA increased, there was a corresponding increase in self-efficacy, psychological resilience and self-confidence among university students. Conclusions Results indicated that higher levels of PA among university students were positively associated with increased self-confidence, self-efficacy, and psychological resilience. Consequently, by facilitating the organization of diverse physical activities and providing opportunities, university administrations can foster enhanced self-confidence, self-efficacy and psychological resilience among their students.