The effects of male college faculty's regular exercise behavior on career satisfaction and life satisfaction

Abstract

Background: This study examined the relationship between the regular exercise behavior of male college faculty and their levels of career and life satisfactions. Exercise provides men with a coping strategy for daily life. The effects of regular exercise on the sense of control and reducing anxiety and depression have been extensively addressed. However, findings from current research are confusing. Extended from a literature review, this study further examines the hypothesis that: Regular exercise is positively related to career satisfaction and life satisfaction, and these links are moderated by career development needs. In addition, demographic effects were also studied in terms of education, years of work experience, position and marital status.Methods: Across-sectional survey design was developed, and data were collected using a structured questionnaire. A stratified sample of male college faculty was selected (N = 211) and data were analyzed using multi-group structural equation modeling with complementary analyses.Results: Only one of demographic effects was significant (educational degree, F 2, 207 = 6.09, p = .003). In comparison with the rest of the sample, men with a PhD or Masters degree reported lower levels of regular exercise. The results also reveal the role of career development needs in moderating the effects of regular exercise on career and life satisfactions. Significant links were found between regular exercise behavior and life satisfaction in the low career needs group (b = .27, p = .02), and with career satisfaction in the neutral career needs group (b = .23, p = .05), but were not significant for the high career needs group.Conclusion: The effects of regular exercise differ between three groups of men with varying degrees of career development needs, and these may affect life or career satisfaction, depending on individuals' career needs. Career satisfaction and life satisfaction are conceptually different, and should both be examined in further studies. As no difference in the amount of regular exercise was found between the three groups (F 2, 208 = 2.413, p = .092), the non-significant links in the high career needs group may suggest that these men derive satisfaction from the work rather than life dimension. Finally, prevention and health promotion for men who have a postgraduate degree should be stressed in educational settings.