Physical Activity Profiles and Stress Management Coping Architecture Among College-Going Youth in Jammu & Kashmir: A Descriptive and Psychometric Analysis

Background: Transitioning through higher education presents unique lifestyle and psychological challenges for emerging adults, particularly in geopolitically and geographically distinct regions like Jammu & Kashmir. Evaluating these behaviors is critical for developing tailored institutional wellness interventions. Objective: This study evaluated the physical activity behaviors and stress management coping architectures among college-going youth across different districts of Jammu & Kashmir using a modified version of the Healthy Lifestyle Scale developed by Wani et al. 2025. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional online survey was conducted using a Google Forms link distributed among 106 college students aged 19 to 21 years. The questionnaire gathered data on two specific health variables: physical activity (four items) and stress management (five items). Descriptive statistical indicators—including mean, standard deviation, skewness, and kurtosis—were calculated. Inferential analysis was performed using a one-sample t-test against a theoretical neutral compliance midpoint to assess the significance of behavioral adoption rates. Results: Participants demonstrated a high adoption of moderate physical activity (M = 0.62, SD = 0.49) compared to vigorous exercise (M = 0.39, SD = 0.49). In terms of stress management, recognition of daily life stressors was high (M = 0.63, SD = 0.48), whereas active structural coping mechanisms, such as utilizing specific stress-relief techniques, were significantly lower (M = 0.46, SD = 0.50). Inferential analysis revealed that while students demonstrated significant positive deviations in baseline stress awareness (t (105) = 2.85, p < 0.01), their adoption of structured high-intensity exercise was significantly deficient (t (105) = -2.25, p < 0.05). Distributional assessments revealed highly platykurtic profiles across all indicators (kurtosis values ranging from -1.73 to -2.01). Conclusion: College-going youth in Jammu & Kashmir exhibit adequate baseline stress awareness and routine moderate physical movement, but lack intentional physical conditioning and structured psychological coping mechanisms.