THE ROLE OF SOCIAL PHYSIQUE ANXIETY ON EXERCISE PARTICIPATION AMONG THE NIGERIAN YOUTH

Good health is an essential aspect of human well-being and overall lifestyle. Attention must be given to actions capable of maintaining good health and well-being. Thus, participating in regular exercise is an integral aspect of health-promoting behavior. However, it is observed that despite the health benefits associated with exercise participation, most individuals still live a sedentary lifestyle, especially the youth. The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the role of social physique anxiety (SPA) on exercise participation among Nigerian youth. One hundred and twenty-eight youths randomly selected from tertiary institutions in Kogi State, Nigeria, participated in the study. The participants completed a self-report measure assessing SPA and participation in exercise. A simple regression model was adopted to test the primary assumption of the study. The result of the investigation revealed a positive interaction between SPA and physical activity. Thus, the study concludes that social physique anxiety is an essential determinant of exercise participation among the youth.