Fermon, Louise, Potdevin, François, Andkjær, Søren, Bortoletto, Nico, Corsi, Mario, Costa, Mário J., Flemr, Libor, Fullerton, Christopher, Hong, Hee Jung, Lentillon-Kaestner, Vanessa, and others. (2025) Bridging the Gap in Physical Activity and Sport Among Women University Students: Motivational and Practical Insights for Effective Promotion. Women in Sport and Physical Activity Journal, 33 (1). Article Number 2025-0015. ISSN 1938-1581. (doi:10.1123/wspaj.2025-0015) (KAR id:111166)
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| Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1123/wspaj.2025-0015 |
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Abstract
Women’s participation in physical activity (PA) and sport remains lower than that of men, with specific challenges persisting into young adulthood. This study aims to better understand the diverse engagement patterns and motivations of women university students in order to inform targeted, gender-sensitive approaches to PA and sport promotion. A survey was conducted among 2,071 women students aged 18–25 years (M = 20.01, SD = 1.33) from 16 European universities. Principal component analysis and clustering techniques revealed two main participation styles: “free” (C1 and C2) and “organized” (C3 and C4). The “free” group preferred low-intensity, flexible activities, often self-directed, and supported by digital tools, while the “organized” group thrived in structured, socially supportive environments such as clubs or team sports with coaching. Motivational factors varied considerably: C1 participants did not prioritize a single motivational factor, C2 were primarily motivated by physical condition and appearance, while a combination of enjoyment, affiliation, and psychological well-being drove C3 and C4 participants. The study highlights the need for universities to offer diverse, flexible PA options that cater to different preferences, from autonomous activities facilitated by digital innovations to structured programs that promote social belonging and accountability. Universities can create supportive environments that encourage sustained PA and sport engagement by tailoring interventions to individual motivations and using inclusive communication strategies. These findings provide valuable insights for promoting active lifestyles among women university students and for advancing gender-sensitive approaches to PA and sport promotion.
| Item Type: | Article |
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| DOI/Identification number: | 10.1123/wspaj.2025-0015 |
| Uncontrolled keywords: | life transition, health, clustering, gender study, movement |
| Subjects: | G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GV Recreation. Leisure > Sports sciences |
| Institutional Unit: | Schools > School of Natural Sciences > Sports and Exercise Science |
| Former Institutional Unit: |
There are no former institutional units.
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| Funders: | University of Kent (https://ror.org/00xkeyj56) |
| SWORD Depositor: | JISC Publications Router |
| Depositing User: | JISC Publications Router |
| Date Deposited: | 09 Sep 2025 14:50 UTC |
| Last Modified: | 17 Sep 2025 08:12 UTC |
| Resource URI: | https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/111166 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes) |
University of Kent Author Information
Mauger, Lex.
| Creator's ORCID: |
 https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6685-5800
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