Students’ physical activity and psychological state: psychological approaches with virtual technologies

This study aims to compare the effectiveness of outdoor training and VR-based training in increasing the overall physical activity and psychological well-being of young people of student age. Based on the model of Ryff and Keyes, the study analyzed the following aspects of psychological well-being: Autonomy, Environmental mastery, Personal Growth, Purpose in life, Positive relations with others, and Self-acceptance. During a 6-week experiment (spring 2022) involving 215 students [BLINDED] University, the participants were divided into two groups: a group that received outdoor training (n = 109), and a group that had training based on a virtual scenario (n = 106). Daily physical activity was measured by a mobile application. Psychological well-being was assessed by questionnaires before and after the experiment. The results of the study indicate an increase in daily physical activity in both groups. However, the differences between the groups in daily physical activity were not statistically significant. The analysis according to the model of Ryff and Keyes showed that psychological well-being significantly improved in the group that received outdoor training (the indicators of Environmental mastery, Positive relations with others, and Self-acceptance). The VR group showed some improvements in Purpose in life and Positive relations with others. Thus, the study confirms the effectiveness of both approaches.