An Intersectional Examination of Physical Activity, Health Behaviors, and Psychological Outcomes in College Students

open_access
Open Access
Author:
Wood, Brittany
Area of Honors:
Kinesiology
Degree:
Bachelor of Science
Document Type:
Thesis
Thesis Supervisors:
Melissa Jean Bopp, Thesis Supervisor
Mark Dyreson, Thesis Honors Advisor
Keywords:
Intersectionality
Physical Activity
Cumulative Jeopardy
Health Behaviors
Marginalized Identities
Mental Health
Health Disparities
Abstract:
College represents a critical developmental period for the establishment of lifelong health behaviors, particularly physical activity and related lifestyle patterns. However, these behaviors are not equally distributed, and disparities may be amplified among students with intersecting marginalized identities. Guided by an intersectional framework, this study examined how race/ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation relate to physical activity, other health behaviors, and psychological outcomes using a cumulative jeopardy index. Data was collected from 6,197 undergraduate students at a large public university between 2018 and 2024 via an anonymous online survey. Measures included moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, alcohol and tobacco use, sleep, diet, depressive symptoms, and perceived stress. Participants were categorized into four groups based on the number of marginalized identities, and group differences were analyzed using ANOVA and chi-square tests. Significant differences were observed across all outcomes (p < .001). Students with no marginalized identities reported the highest levels of physical activity and the most favorable health profiles overall. In contrast, students with one or more marginalized identities demonstrated progressively lower physical activity, poorer sleep and dietary patterns, and greater engagement in substance use. Psychological outcomes followed a similar pattern, with higher depressive symptoms and perceived stress observed among those with multiple marginalized identities. These findings highlight the importance of examining health behaviors as interconnected patterns shaped by intersecting social identities. This study accentuates the need for inclusive, targeted physical activity and wellness interventions that address structural barriers and promote equitable engagement in health-promoting behaviors.