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European Journal of Physical Education and Sport Science ISSN: 2501 - 1235 ISSN-L: 2501 - 1235 Available on-line at: www.oapub.org/edu Volume 3 │ Issue 10 │ 2017 doi: 10.5281/zenodo.1001774 RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LEISURE-TIME PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE IN FEMALE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS: A CORRELATIONAL STUDY Harmandeep Singhi Junior Research Fellow, Department of Physical Education (T), Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, India Abstract: Background: Association between physical activity and mental health has been well documented. Both leisure-time physical activity and emotional intelligence are related to health-related quality of life. Hence, it is important to explore the linkage between these two parameters. Methods: A total of 126 female university students of age 20-30 years participated in the study. The scores regarding leisure-time physical activity were assessed using International Physical activity questionnaire (long form). Emotional intelligence was assessed by administering a 5-point scale developed by Hyde et al (2002). Normality of data was tested using Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Spearman’s rank order test was run to see the relationship between non-parametric continuous data. Results: Leisure-time physical activity level was significantly positively correlated with the overall emotional intelligence and sub-scales: self-awareness, Self-motivation, emotional stability, managing relations, integrity, self-development, value orientation and commitment (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, no significant correlations were assessed between leisure-time physical activity level and subscales: empathy and altruistic behavior. Conclusions: Findings of the present study revealed that there is a strong positive correlation between leisure-time physical activity and emotional intelligence. Keywords: leisure-time, physical activity, emotional intelligence, relationship Copyright © The Author(s). All Rights Reserved. © 2015 – 2017 Open Access Publishing Group 209 Harmandeep Singh RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LEISURE-TIME PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE IN FEMALE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS: A CORRELATIONAL STUDY 1. Introduction Physical activity is indispensable in improving the emotional well-being of beings (Li et al, 2009). Emotions are the vital and important feature of human nature and the inspiration for behavior. According to Goleman (1995), being able to monitor and regulate one’s own feelings, understand the feelings of others, and use that emotion or feeling knowledge to guide thoughts and actions is known as emotional intelligence (EI). Emotional intelligence is the ability to perceive, integrate, understand, and manage emotions (Baron 2002), which is concerned with understanding oneself and others, relating to people, and adapting to and coping more successfully with environmental demands. Emotional intelligence is, therefore, considered as a significant predictor of future success in many facets of life (Baron 2002; Saarni 1999; Goleman 1995). Many researchers argued the aforesaid emotional benefits to consistent physical activity (Hellison 2003; Leith 2002; Kerr & Kuk 2001; Baker & Brownell 2000; Biddle 2000; ASCM 1998; Fox 1990; Sonstroem & Morgan 1989) that boost optimistic and pleasing emotions (Turnbull & Wolfson 2002; Kerr & Kuk 2001; Sonstroem & Morgan 1989; Berger & Owen 1988), jolly mood and more reasonable anxiety-lessening effects (Biddle 2000), enriching sense of bliss (Szabo 2003), and higher levels of positivity (Kavussanu & Mcauley 1995). It has been documented that university students tend to practice unnatural weight control practices by negotiating food consumption by skipping meals, or tend to eat innutritious/low-calorie diets (Megel, Wade, Hawkins, & Norton, 1994). If not intervened early, these two tendencies among university students i.e. inadequate physical activity and unhealthy dieting behaviors could lead to several long-term health issues. In India, empirical data pertaining to physical activity prevalence and its benefits are limited. However, few studies have shed light on university student’s physical activity status and associated it with few socio-demographic and physical fitness and psychological variables (Singh and Singh, 2017; Singh et al. 2017, Singh et al, 2017). The present study is an attempt to highlight the associations between leisure-time physical activity and emotional intelligence among university students. For viewing / downloading the full article, please access the following link: https://oapub.org/edu/index.php/ejep/article/view/1082 European Journal of Physical Education and Sport Science - Volume 3 │ Issue 10 │ 2017 210