Comparison of the ability to regulate emotions and executive functions in active and inactive students

The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in executive functions and the ability to regulate emotions in active and inactive individuals, considering gender differences. The present study was a comparative study and the samples were selected purposefully from among the students of Payame Noor University in Tabriz, with a total of 80 participants divided into two groups: active (20 females, 20 males) and inactive (20 females, 20 males). The identification of active and inactive individuals was done using the Physical Activity Questionnaire (PAQ). The assessment of the ability to regulate emotions and executive functions was performed using the Gross and John Emotion Regulation Scale (2003) and the Flanker and Wisconsin Card Sorting tests, respectively. The results of the two-way analysis of variance showed a significant difference (p<0.05) between executive functions and emotional regulation abilities of active and inactive students. However, there was no significant difference in performance between boys and girls (p>0.05). Based on the results, physical and sports exercises are suggested as one of the strategies for emotional regulation and the development of executive functions for the general population.