SELF-MOTIVATION, SOCIAL SKILLS, AND RESILIENCE: THE TRANSFORMATIVE INFLUENCE OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY ON COLLEGE STUDENTS

The presented study explores a gap in research related to the influence of physical activity on the emotional intelligence of university students. Its main objective is to investigate the relationship between physical activity and emotional intelligence in university students, focusing on self-motivation, social skills, and resilience. A quantitative cross-sectional methodology was used, collecting data through online surveys from 813 students at the National University of Tumbes. The instru-ments included items from the emotional intelligence skills test and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. The results indicated that physical activity has a significant positive impact on the emotional intelligence of university students. The findings show that students who regularly engage in physical activities exhibit greater self-motivation, better social skills, and higher resilience. It is concluded that promoting physical activity programs in the university setting not only improves students’ physical health but also enhances their psychological and social well-being, significantly contributing to their academic and personal success.