Filipino resilience: investigating Physical Activity and fitness as indicators of stress and resilience among state university collegiate students

This study explored the associations between physical activity, self-perceived physical fitness, stress reactivity, and resilience among 269 university students (91 females, 178 males) from a Philippine state university. Employing a quantitative, cross-sectional design, data were collected through an online survey using validated instruments that assessed physical activity, perceived fitness, stress reactivity, and resilience. Results showed that males reported significantly higher levels of physical activity and self-perceived fitness, whereas females exhibited greater stress reactivity. Regression analyses indicated that total physical activity positively predicted resilience, particularly among females, but was not significantly associated with stress reactivity. In contrast, self-perceived physical fitness emerged as a stronger and more consistent predictor of resilience and selected stress reactivity outcomes, with effects more pronounced among males. These findings suggest that individuals’ perceptions of their fitness may play a more influential role in psychological well-being than the actual volume of physical activity performed. The results also emphasize the importance of sex-responsive health interventions that not only encourage physical engagement but also promote confidence and self-perception of physical competence. Overall, the study contributes to the understanding of how perceived physical fitness shapes resilience and stress responses among young adults in higher education settings. Future research utilizing longitudinal or mixed-method approaches is recommended to establish causality and further explore sex-based psychological mechanisms underlying these associations.