Physical Activity and Mental Health in College Students
Poster Number
71
Session Title
Poster Session 3
College
College of Education
Department
Physical Education, Sport & Human Performance
Faculty Mentor
Janet Wojcik, Ph.D.
Abstract
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.
Course Assignment
PESH 381 - Wojcik
Type of Presentation
Poster presentation
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.
