Physical and psychological correlates of academic performance in male and female university students

Abstract

Studying at university can be a stressful experience due to academic workload, financial cost, and performing within a competitive environment (Park & Adler, 2003). The self-esteem of students has been demonstrated to be significantly related to academic performance (Crocker, Karpinski, Quinn, & Chase, 2003). Further, the perception of stressful situations between males and females appears to differ (Misra, McKean, West & Russo, 2000). The aim of this study was to determine whether physical and psychological functioning changed over the course of a university semester. Further, the study sought to determine the role of these variables and participation in exercise on academic performance by male and female university students.