Showcase of Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavors (SOURCE)

Physical Activity and Mental Health in College Students

This research focuses on physical activity and mental health within college students. Over 41% of all college students have a history of anxiety and depression since they were attending college. Therefore, college students struggle academically due to mental health issues and may be unaware how physical activity can play a role to improve mental health. One study focused on the different challenges of non-first generation vs. first generation students. In most cases first-generation students have more stressors then non-first generation students. Research showed that physical activity and mental health are related, and it is possible to improve mental health with increasing physical activity such as going running, taking a group fitness class, or even just walk around campus or in the neighborhood. Another issue that students face are that students may not be aware of the resources that they have available in order to focus on their mental health, some example would be taking mental health breaks and go to a group fitness class, or even take advantage of counseling. A review of the literature confirmed that colleges do not advertise mental health well and listed areas where there is still space for improvement. Overall, colleges can do more to promote physical activity and mental health.