Background: In an online survey of Lithuanian adults (n = 1140) aged 18 to 64 years, we sought to better understand the factors influencing the structure of physical activity (PA). We hypothesised that the PA paradox (i.e. the benefits of PA will be much greater during leisure-time than work-related or household moderate to vigorous PA) occurs more subjectively for psychological well-being indicators, than physiological well-being indicators, and should not depend on age or gender. Methods: An online questionnaire was distributed as to potential participants through the Facebook social networking website within the period May 2021 to December 2021. PA was assessed using the long version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Mood responses were assessed using the Brunel Mood Scale (BRUMS-LTU). Emotional intelligence was assessed using the Schutte Self-Report Emotional Intelligence Test (SSREIT). Perceived stress was assessed using the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). Descriptive analysis, a two-way analysis of variance, and linear regression analysis were used to interpret the data. Results: The results revealed that a PA paradox occurred in women and men in terms of health, happiness, vigour and perceived stress, and only in women according to morbidity and overeating. According to the regression analysis, women’s and men’s subjective health (β = 0.135; p < 0.001), happiness (β = 0.084; p = 0.018) and vigour (β = 0.169; p < 0.001) were significantly positively, and perceived stress (β = -0.088; p = 0.009) negatively correlated (regardless of age) only with leisure-time moderate to vigorous PA. ‘Healthy’, i.e. the amount of leisure-time PA in men decreases with age, while it does not change in women. Conclusions: We believe that this study has expanded a clearer understanding of the PA paradox and its possible application to improving the health of individuals of different age groups.

Background: The aim of our study was to determine how six mood indicators (vigour, fatigue, depression, anger, confusion, tension) depend on moderate to vigorous physical activity, walking time and sedentary time at work, after working hours and during leisure time, in men and women of different age groups. Methods: A total of 1,140 individuals aged 18 to 64 years participated in the study. The participants were enrolled in this cross-sectional survey using a snowball sampling method. An online questionnaire was shared through popular social networks and emails within the period October 2019 to June 2020. Mood responses were assessed using The Brunel Mood Scale-LTU. Physical activity was assessed using the long International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Descriptive analysis, a two-way analysis of variance, and linear regression analysis were used to interpret the data. Results: The survey results showed that vigour and fatigue correlated significantly only with leisure-time moderate to vigorous physical activity. The present results show a significant positive correlation between women and men moods and leisure-time moderate to vigorous physical activity, the length of time walking to work and back home, and negative correlation between moods and leisure-time sedentary behaviour. However, there was no significant correlation between moods and work-related moderate to vigorous physical activity and household moderate to vigorous physical activity, walking at work, and sitting duration at work. Conclusions: This study provides theoretical implications of the physical activity paradox, justifying the benefits of moderate to vigorous physical activity practiced in different circumstances. According to the regression analysis, exercising men in all age groups moved the most (had a higher moderate to vigorous physical activity level) during leisure time, the highest work-related moderate to vigorous physical activity was observed in men and women with lower education, and the highest household moderate to vigorous physical activity was observed in older age men and women living in rural areas. Clinicians and leaders at all levels of health care should consider the greater importance of leisure-time physical activity for mental health when choosing the most targeted physical activity recommendations for mood profile improvement in men and women of different age groups.

In a study involving 831 women and 309 men aged 18 to 64, we sought to explore the key determinants influencing various components of well-being, including happiness, life satisfaction, and vigor/vitality. The determinants examined encompassed sociodemographic variables, health indicators, sedentary behaviors, physical activity, body mass index (BMI), sleep patterns, eating habits, alcohol consumption, smoking, mood indicators, personality traits, emotional intelligence, logical thinking, non-utilitarian decision-making, and adverse childhood experiences. Our findings indicate that happiness, life satisfaction, and vigor are most significantly affected by mood indicators—especially depression—emotional intelligence (particularly the ability to manage emotions), and overall subjective health. Additionally, specific personality traits, such as extraversion in women and neuroticism in men, played a significant role in influencing well-being. Conversely, determinants such as BMI, sleep habits, regular physical activity, sedentary behavior, dietary habits, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, as well as logical thinking, non-utilitarian decision-making, and adverse childhood experiences, showed limited or no significant impact on well-being components like happiness, life satisfaction, and vigor. These findings provide valuable insights into the complex dynamics of human well-being, highlighting the distinct determinants of happiness, life satisfaction, and vigor/vitality for men and women.

Introduction: The happiness and well-being of individuals are among the most important components of life. However, there remains a lack of evidence regarding the relationships between students’ happiness, vigor, and self-esteem on the one hand and various complex factors on the other hand.Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 397 students from various Lithuanian universities. We determined students’ happiness, self-esteem, vigor, healthy lifestyles, perceived stress, personality traits, academic achievements and motivation by using validated scales.Results and discussion: The study indicates that while happiness and self-esteem are not linked to healthy lifestyles, vigor is positively associated with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and healthy eating, and negatively with body mass index (BMI). Happiness and vigor inversely relate to stress, and happiness and self-esteem inversely relate to depression. Vigor is positively related to extraversion, and self-esteem to neuroticism. Happiness, vigor, and self-esteem are not linked to academic achievements, but happiness relates to non-utilitarian decisions, and self-esteem to emotional intelligence and non-utilitarian decisions. Happiness, vigor, self-esteem were not linked to intrinsic motivation to study, but self-esteem was inversely related to amotivation and childhood violence. This study fills the research gap and deepens the understanding of what determines students’ happiness and vigor, and self-esteem.

Sleep quality and duration are shaped by a complex interplay of behavioral, psychological, and sociodemographic factors. This study aimed to examine the re

Introduction: The study aims to compare physical activity, sleep, body mass index (BMI), subjective health, stress, depression, impulsivity, and emotional intelligence across the Baltic countries while identifying key health determinants.Methods: We interviewed men and women (18–64 years) in Estonia (n = 1,503) Latvia (n = 1,563) and Lithuania (n = 2,358) via an online survey.Results: Obesity is most common among individuals in EE, both males and females, while the highest rates of overweight are observed in EE females and LT males. Sleep duration is comparable across the different countries, with women generally sleeping longer than men (p < 0.05). Sedentary behavior is shortest among LT females and LV males, although in all countries, females tend to sit more than males (p < 0.05). Moderate physical activity (MPA) levels are similar among males, but they are highest among EE females. In contrast, vigorous physical activity (VPA) is most prevalent in LV males and females. Emotional intelligence (EI) is lowest among LV females and EE males, while females consistently exhibit higher EI than males across all countries. Lithuanians frequently rate their health as “excellent” and show the lowest levels of impulsivity. Additionally, depression and stress are lowest in EE females and LV males. Estonians are more likely to eat breakfast regularly and tend to overeat less than their counterparts in LV and LT.Conclusion: Our research clearly shows that perceived health among the Baltic countries is significantly inversely related to age, perceived stress, depression, and Body Mass Index (BMI). In contrast, we found positive associations between vigorous physical activity (VPA) and emotional intelligence (EI).