Date of Award
Fall 9-29-2026
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Kinesiology (EdD)
Department
Kinesiology
First Advisor
Matthew Buns
Second Advisor
Ann Blomquist
Third Advisor
Peter Jankowski
Abstract
This study was developed to examine if a significant relationship exists between leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and the job satisfaction of educational staff, with further exploratory analysis examining self-efficacy as a mediator to the relationship. Employing a cross-sectional design, data from a sample of middle school educational staff was collected and analyzed (n=35). Job satisfaction, physical activity levels, and self-efficacy were measured using the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire – Short Form (MSQ-SF), the International Physical Activity Questionnaire – Short Form (IPAQ-SF) and the General Self-Efficacy Questionnaire. Analyses were conducted using Jeffery’s Amazing Statistics Program (JASP). The results of the analyses revealed that physical activity was not significantly correlated to the job satisfaction of educational staff (Spearman’s rho = .262, p = .129). The mediation analysis revealed a non-significant relationship on the variables of physical activity and job satisfaction. Although not a primary variable of the study, the relationship between job stress and mental health was shown to significantly correlate (Spearman’s rho = - .591, p = < .001). These findings suggest that physical activity may not directly correlate with job satisfaction among educational staff, further highlighting the need for research in this area. Future research should focus on longitudinal designs, with job stress examined as a mediator to the relationship of physical activity and job satisfaction.