Positive Reappraisal and Mental Well-Being During COVID-19: Does Physical Fitness Regulate the Link Among Pakistani Men and Women?

The literature describes positive reappraisal as a positive coping mechanism for improved mental well-being. This study extends this knowledge by assessing whether physical fitness regulates this connection during Covid-19 pandemic that significantly impacts the lives of individuals and communities. The study aimed at assessing whether the positive association between positive reappraisal and mental well-being is moderated by levels of physical fitness among Pakistani men and women. The study was conducted during the 3rd and 4th waves of Covid Pandemic. Participants were 403 young adults (M age = 26.03, SD = 7.83 years; 54% women). Results from correlation analyses showed that positive reappraisal was positively correlated with mental well-being after controlling the potential demographic confounds. Double moderation analyses showed that physical fitness and gender moderated this positive prediction after controlling the potential confounding effects of demographics. Further interpretation of interactive effects revealed that conditional effects of positive reappraisal on mental well-being were stronger for men and for those reporting better physical fitness compared to women and those reporting poor fitness. Results suggest that adult men with better physical fitness were better able to benefit from positive regulation for better mental well-being. The findings have practical implications for counselors and practitioners working with adults.