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The relationship between physical activity and harmful impulsivity in female university students: Implications for forensic medicine
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Masoumeh Faghfouriazar   |
| Department of Physical Education, Ga.C., Islamic Azad University, Garmsar, Iran , m.faghfouriazar@iau.ac.ir |
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Abstract: (25 Views) |
Introduction: Harmful behaviors are among the most significant public health issues, with considerable legal and forensic consequences. Impulsivity, as a key psychological factor, is a reliable predictor of these behaviors. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between physical activity, impulsivity and harmful behaviors in female university students and its implications for forensic medicine.
Method: This descriptive-correlational and cross-sectional study was conducted on 358 female undergraduate students from universities in Tehran (mean age: 22.9±2.6 years). Sampling was performed using a multi-stage cluster method. Data were collected using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF), the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11) and the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS). Data analysis was conducted using Pearson correlation and multiple regression tests.
Results: The results showed a significant positive correlation between impulsivity and harmful behaviors (r = 0.65). Significant negative correlations were observed between physical activity and impulsivity (r = -0.40) as well as between physical activity and harmful behaviors (r = -0.35). Multiple regression analysis revealed that a one-unit increase in physical activity decreased harmful behaviors by 0.25 units (P = 0.002), while a one-unit increase in impulsivity increased harmful behaviors by 0.55 units (P < 0.001).
Conclusion: Physical activity can serve as an effective, low-cost preventive strategy for reducing impulsivity and subsequently decreasing harmful behaviors among female university students. These findings have important implications for forensic medicine organizations and crime prevention centers, recommending the design of regular physical activity programs within universities as part of comprehensive interventions to reduce high-risk behaviors.
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| Keywords: Physical Activity, Impulsivity, Harmful Behaviors, Forensic Medicine |
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Type of Article: Research Article |
Subject:
Community Medicine
Received: 2026/05/12 | Revised: 2026/06/9 | Accepted: 2026/06/9
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