The Relationship Between Fitness Program Participation, Academic Stress, and Academic Achievement in University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: University students frequently experience substantial academic stress, which may negatively influence both psychological well-being and academic performance. Physical activity has been recognized as a potential protective factor that supports mental health and cognitive functioning; however, evidence from Middle Eastern university populations remains limited.

Objective: This study examined the relationship between Fitness Program Participation, academic stress, and academic achievement among university students in Jordan.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive–analytical design was employed. A total of 300 undergraduate students from public and private universities in Jordan were recruited using simple random sampling. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire assessing Fitness Program Participation and academic stress. Academic achievement was represented by students’ self-reported academic performance. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficients, and linear regression analyses were performed using SPSS Version 26.

Results: Students reported relatively high levels of Fitness Program Participation (M = 3.68, SD = 0.87) and academic stress (M = 3.77, SD = 0.89). Fitness Program Participation was significantly and negatively associated with academic stress (r = −0.42, p < .001), indicating that higher participation levels were related to lower stress levels. In addition, Fitness Program Participation demonstrated a significant positive association with academic achievement (r = 0.35, p = .001). Regression analysis revealed that Fitness Program Participation was significantly associated with lower academic stress (β = −0.39, p < .001).

Conclusions: Higher levels of Fitness Program Participation were associated with reduced academic stress and improved academic achievement among university students. These findings support the integration of structured physical activity programs within university settings as a strategy to promote student well-being and academic success. Future longitudinal studies are needed to clarify the directionality of these relationships.