Undergraduate students’ (UG) motivation to fit looks and its effect on academic performance mediated by physical exercise, sleep pattern, and maladaptive eating

Abstract

India is one of the largest youth-populated countries in the world. Technological advancements during and post-COVID have gifted most youth with personal computers/smartphones and internet connectivity at an affordable price. Thus, binge-watching social media has become the order of the day. Youths are excessively interested in building fit-looks for their psychosocial well-being. However, it has adversely changed their life routine and academic performance. Thus, the present study attempted to measure the relationship between their motivation to fit looks and academic performance in the presence of mediating variables like physical exercise, sleeping, and eating patterns. The study surveyed 300 UG students attending physical exercise or gym classes. The study employed mediation analysis to find the relationship. Results revealed a total and indirect effect between motivation to fit looks and academic performance in the presence of mediating variables, explaining the full mediation effect. The study warrants future researchers to explore the reasons for these relationships with a qualitative approach and identify plausible suggestions to improve youths’ psychosocial well-being.