Exploring Students&rsquo; Experiences and Well-Being in Goal Setting and Personal Fitness Programs: A Narrative Inquiry

Pamela  Falcis-Guevara,; Elsie  R. Piolo,

Exploring Students’ Experiences and Well-Being in Goal Setting and Personal Fitness Programs: A Narrative Inquiry

Abstract:

Goal setting and personal fitness programs are an underexplored area in tertiary physical education. To understand its potential to enhance students’ well-being, this narrative inquiry and qualitative research aimed to explore the experiences of first- and second-year students at West Visayas State University-Calinog Campus in designing and pursuing their own fitness goals. Through self-directed programs, this study aims to investigate, among students, the benefits of customized fitness plans that influence motivation, adherence, and general well-being. Word cloud analysis exposes a definite link between nutrition and how it affects attitudes and mood. Findings highlight the connection between physical activity, mental clarity, and emotional stability, underscoring the notion that a healthy mind is associated with a healthy body. Staying engaged relies heavily on the support of family, friends, fitness instructors, and social media. Ultimately, this study underscores the significance of goal setting and personal fitness programs in fostering resilience, optimism, and overall health benefits.

References:

Akhmad, I., Heri, Z., Hariadi, H., Nurkadri, N., Novita, N., bin Syed Ali, S. K., … Setyawan, H. (2024). Physical activity levels among Malaysian University and State University of Medan students: Gender difference and the influence of BMI. Retos: nuevas tendencias en educación física, deporte y recreación(60), 429–438.
Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2023). Toward good practice in thematic analysis: Avoiding common problems and becoming a knowing researcher. International Journal of Transgender Health, 24(1), 1–6.
Campoamor‑Olegario, L. A., Guinto, M. L. M., Camitan IV, D. S., Gomez, M. G. A., Pituk, C. S., Yleaña, C. J. A. T., … Jamon, K. G. G. (2025). Enhancing well‑being in physical education classes: Applying the PERMAH framework in the Philippines. In Global Innovations in Physical Education and Health (pp. 261–290). IGI Global.
Gherheș, V., Stoian, C. E., Fărcașiu, M. A., & Stanici, M. (2021). E‑learning vs. face‑to‑face learning: Analyzing students’ preferences and behaviors. Sustainability, 13(8), 4381.
Maher, C., Hadfield, M., Hutchings, M., & Eyto, A. (2018). Ensuring rigor in qualitative data analysis: A design research approach to coding combining NVivo with traditional material methods. International Journal of Qualitative Methods. https://doi.org/10.1177/1609406918786362
Olsson, E. A., & Heikkinen, S. (2019). “I will never quit dancing”: The emotional experiences of social dancing among older persons. Journal of Aging Studies, 51, 100786.
Pacadaljen, R. E. (2024). Integrating culturally oriented activities in physical education: Analysis on the incidental learning and appreciation of learners to Philippine culture. Environment and Social Psychology, 9(10).
Pino Gavidia, L. A., & Adu, J. (2022). Critical narrative inquiry: An examination of a methodological approach. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 21, Article 16094069221081594. https://doi.org/10.1177/16094069221081594
Simpson, R. J., Campbell, J. P., Gleeson, M., Krüger, K., Nieman, D. C., Pyne, D. B., … Walsh, N. P. (2020). Can exercise affect immune function to increase susceptibility to infection? Exercise Immunology Review, 26, 8–22.
Strauss, A. (1987). Qualitative analysis for social scientists. Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511557842
Sustainable Development Goals. (n.d.). United Nations. Retrieved December 6, 2024, from https://sdgs.un.org/goals
Tagare, R. Jr. (2022). An ethnographic probe on the cultural values and symbols of Generation Z students: Implications for course contextualization. European Online Journal of Natural and Social Sciences, 11(2), 347–360.
United Nations. (2024). Sustainable Development Goals. United Nations. Retrieved from https://sdgs.un.org/goals.
World Health Organization. (2024). Promoting well‑being. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/activities/promoting-well-being