Physical activity and marital satisfaction among teachers: a mediation model of self-esteem, spirituality, and psychological distress

Abstract

Background/objectives: Marital satisfaction is influenced by various intrapersonal and environmental factors. The present study explores the associations between physical activity and marital satisfaction in a sample of Tunisian married teachers, examining the mediating roles of body esteem, sexual self-esteem, and psychological distress, with spirituality acting as a psychosocial resource. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 924 married teachers (52% women) from six Tunisian regions. Participants completed the Arabic versions of the Ironson-Woods Spirituality/Religiousness Index (IWSRI), Body Esteem Scale (BES), Sexual Self-Esteem Scale (SSES), Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), and the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS-4). The hypothesized pathways were examined using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Results: < .001). The overall model accounted for 63% of the variance in marital satisfaction. Conclusions: In this specific population of Tunisian teachers, physical activity is associated with higher marital satisfaction through both physiological and psychosocial dimensions. Spirituality appears to be a significant resource correlated with mental balance and resilience. These preliminary results support an integrative view of health-encompassing physical, psychological, and spiritual facets-for understanding factors linked to stable marital relationships. However, due to the cross-sectional design, causal directions cannot be inferred.