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Voices in Motion: Using I-Poems to Uncover Undergraduate University Students’ Psychosocial Journey and Physical Activity Behaviours

Author

Listed:
  • Chanté Johannes

    (Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies of Children, Families, and Society, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town 7535, South Africa)

  • James Reid

    (Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies of Children, Families, and Society, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town 7535, South Africa
    School of Education, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield HD1 3DH, UK)

  • Nicolette Roman

    (Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies of Children, Families, and Society, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town 7535, South Africa)

Abstract

Physical inactivity is a pervasive global public health concern, yet there is limited qualitative research exploring the psychosocial dimensions of physical activity (PA) among undergraduate students at a South African university. Therefore, this study aimed to explore students’ PA participation, by providing insights into the psychosocial factors that shape their experiences. Interviews were conducted with 18 undergraduate university students between July and August 2023. I-poems, a creative qualitative method, were created from interview transcripts by isolating sentences featuring the pronoun “I” and arranging them into poetic stanzas without altering their sequence. This approach amplifies the participants’ voices, offering an authentic window into their lived experiences. Data was coded using the Atlas Ti v.8 software and thematically analysed to generate common themes. The I-poems revealed rich, layered insights from students regarding the psychosocial aspects of PA, highlighting themes such as mental health, motivation and social support. By centring the participants’ “I” narratives, the method foregrounded their voices, enabling a deeper exploration of their embodied PA experiences. This study highlights the potential of I-poems as a creative qualitative method to explore the intricacies of students’ PA journeys. The findings highlight the importance of considering psychosocial factors in understanding PA engagement, offering valuable subjective perspectives for designing contextually relevant and university student-tailored interventions that are suitable.

Suggested Citation

  • Chanté Johannes & James Reid & Nicolette Roman, 2025. "Voices in Motion: Using I-Poems to Uncover Undergraduate University Students’ Psychosocial Journey and Physical Activity Behaviours," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(6), pages 1-28, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:22:y:2025:i:6:p:901-:d:1672731
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Nicola W. Burton & Bonnie L. Barber & Asaduzzaman Khan, 2021. "A Qualitative Study of Barriers and Enablers of Physical Activity among Female Emirati University Students," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(7), pages 1-13, March.
    2. Anita Padmanabhanunni & Tyrone B. Pretorius & Serena Ann Isaacs, 2023. "We Are Not Islands: The Role of Social Support in the Relationship between Perceived Stress during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Psychological Distress," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(4), pages 1-13, February.
    3. Tao Zhang & Joonyoung Lee & Xiaoxia Zhang & Xiangli Gu, 2022. "Social-Ecological Factors Predict College Students’ Physical Activities and Sedentary Behavior," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(19), pages 1-12, October.
    4. Long Niu & Jing Xu & Yiting E, 2023. "Physical Activity and Habitus: Parental Support or Peer Support?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(3), pages 1-16, January.
    5. Chanté Johannes & Nicolette V. Roman & Sunday O. Onagbiye & Simone Titus & Lloyd L. Leach, 2024. "Consensus in Action: Context-Specific Physical Activity Guidelines for Undergraduate Students at a South African University," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(12), pages 1-22, December.
    6. Frédéric Denis & Rachid Mahalli & Alexis Delpierre & Christine Romagna & Denis Selimovic & Matthieu Renaud, 2022. "Psychobiological Factors in Global Health and Public Health," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(11), pages 1-5, May.
    7. Chanté Johannes & Nicolette V. Roman & Sunday O. Onagbiye & Simone Titus & Lloyd L. Leach, 2024. "Relationship between Psychosocial Factors and Physical Activity among Undergraduate Students from a South African University," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(4), pages 1-20, April.
    8. Jane Cooley Fruehwirth & M Emilia Mazzolenis & Mollie A Pepper & Krista M Perreira, 2023. "Perceived stress, mental health symptoms, and deleterious behaviors during the transition to college," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 18(6), pages 1-14, June.
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