Gender, Physical Activity, and Psychological Well-being among Academic White-Collar Employees: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Regular physical activity is widely recognized as a vital non-pharmacological intervention for reducing the risk of psychological disorders, including anxiety and stress. However, modern occupational environments often necessitate prolonged sedentary behaviour. White-collar workers, particularly those in academic and administrative roles, are highly susceptible to occupational stress and physical inactivity due to the intense cognitive demands and desk-bound nature of their professions. This quantitative cross-sectional study aims to differentiate physical activity levels and anxiety scores between male and female white-collar workers, while also examining the overarching relationship between these variables within this demographic. A purposive sample of 159 academic white-collar workers at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Arau participated in the research. Data collection utilized digital survey instruments adapted from the validated General Practice Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPPAQ) to measure activity levels, and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) to assess cognitive and somatic anxiety symptoms. The collected data was evaluated using Chi-Square tests, Independent Sample T-Tests, and Point-Biserial Correlation. The statistical analysis revealed no significant gender differences in either physical activity levels or anxiety scores (p > 0.05). Additionally, the correlation analysis indicated no statistically significant inverse relationship between physical activity participation and anxiety reduction among the sampled employees (p > 0.05). These findings suggest that the structural constraints and psychosocial stressors of sedentary academic workplaces affect male and female employees equally, potentially neutralizing the anticipated psychological benefits of baseline physical movement. In conclusion, while this specific cohort did not yield significant correlations, the results underscore the necessity for organizations to move beyond basic fitness initiatives. Busy white-collar workers require holistic, multi-dimensional workplace wellness programs incorporating ergonomic, nutritional, and psychological interventions to effectively manage occupational stress, prioritize work-life balance, and sustain comprehensive health.