ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the experiences of leisure-time physical activity and psychological well-being among African American college students attending Florida A&M University (FAMU), a historically Black college and university (HBCU) in the United States. A self-report questionnaire that included some anecdotal feedback was administered during the onset of the pandemic in 2020 when higher education institutions transitioned from face-to-face learning to an online platform in the middle of the semester. Among participants who completed the survey (n = 87), the majority (98%) were Black or African American, with approximately 67% women between 18 and 25 years of age. While over 90% of participants reported excellent or good health, the leisure-time physical activity levels varied among the group, as well as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on leisure, physical activity, psychological well-being, and happiness. Approximately 67% of the population reported high levels of subjective happiness, and half of the participants engaged in some physical activity. Findings from the chapter may assist public health and higher education administrators and faculty members with planning and implementing leisure and recreation programmes to improve engagement in leisure-time physical activity and psychological well-being among college students.
