Academic resilience, exercise self-efficacy, and perceived wellness of Filipino college freshmen

This quantitative study examined the influence of academic resilience and exercise self-efficacy on the perceived wellness of 298 first-year college students enrolled in Physical Education 1 – Movement Enhancement at Davao del Norte during the academic year 2023–2024. Three validated survey instruments were used to measure academic resilience, exercise self-efficacy, and perceived wellness. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and regression analyses were conducted. Results revealed that academic resilience was generally high, exercise self-efficacy was moderate, and perceived wellness was frequently experienced. Significant positive correlations were found between academic resilience and perceived wellness, and between exercise self-efficacy and perceived wellness. Regression analysis identified academic resilience as a significant predictor of perceived wellness, while exercise self-efficacy was not. The study recommends institutional support for physical activity and wellness programs that strengthen students’ resilience and promote holistic well-being.