Mental Health and Physical Activity Among Undergraduate College Students

Mental Health and Physical Activity Among Undergraduate College Students PDF Author: Allie K. Mirek
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : College students
Languages : en
Pages : 110

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Book Description
Anxiety and depression among college students is not a new topic but is one of increasing importance and relevance given the changes seen in the social, political, and professional environments of the United States. Students are faced with numerous daily stressors, academic and personal, that take a toll on their health and impact their success. For some students, this stress can be coupled with a diagnosis of anxiety or depression. At Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) alone, there has been an increase in the rates of reported diagnoses of anxiety and depression in the custom student health surveys from 2012 to 2016. In addition to mental health, physical activity among college students is a popular topic in many health-related fields. Physical activity is known to be related to mental health in that more physical activity is correlated with better mental health. The current study examined the association between mental health and physical activity. There was no significant association found between mental health and physical activity. However, binary logistic regression found several significant adjusted odds ratios between any mental health diagnosis and several covariates. Most notably, females had greater odds of having any mental health diagnosis than males and students identifying as Black non-Hispanic had lower odds of having any mental health diagnosis. The findings of the present study provide insight into the undergraduate population at SCSU and indicate areas for future research to be performed.

Mental Health and Physical Activity Among Undergraduate College Students

Mental Health and Physical Activity Among Undergraduate College Students PDF Author: Allie K. Mirek
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : College students
Languages : en
Pages : 110

Get Book Here

Book Description
Anxiety and depression among college students is not a new topic but is one of increasing importance and relevance given the changes seen in the social, political, and professional environments of the United States. Students are faced with numerous daily stressors, academic and personal, that take a toll on their health and impact their success. For some students, this stress can be coupled with a diagnosis of anxiety or depression. At Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) alone, there has been an increase in the rates of reported diagnoses of anxiety and depression in the custom student health surveys from 2012 to 2016. In addition to mental health, physical activity among college students is a popular topic in many health-related fields. Physical activity is known to be related to mental health in that more physical activity is correlated with better mental health. The current study examined the association between mental health and physical activity. There was no significant association found between mental health and physical activity. However, binary logistic regression found several significant adjusted odds ratios between any mental health diagnosis and several covariates. Most notably, females had greater odds of having any mental health diagnosis than males and students identifying as Black non-Hispanic had lower odds of having any mental health diagnosis. The findings of the present study provide insight into the undergraduate population at SCSU and indicate areas for future research to be performed.

Physical Activity and Mental Health Among Undergraduate Students

Physical Activity and Mental Health Among Undergraduate Students PDF Author: Catherine Elliot
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : College students
Languages : en
Pages : 282

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Book Description


College Students

College Students PDF Author: M. V. Landow
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 296

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Book Description
College students are subject to a massive input of stresses which require successful and ever-changing coping strategies. These stresses include inside and outside pressures by the world to succeed, financial worries, concerns about uncertain futures, social problems and opportunities since college is often the meeting place for future mates, and homework and tests in multiple and complex subjects requiring preparation and focus with often conflicting priorities. Unsuccessful coping often results in anxiety, heavy drinking, depression and a host of other mental health problems. This book presents new and important research in this important field.

Educating the Student Body

Educating the Student Body PDF Author: Committee on Physical Activity and Physical Education in the School Environment
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309283140
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 503

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Book Description
Physical inactivity is a key determinant of health across the lifespan. A lack of activity increases the risk of heart disease, colon and breast cancer, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, osteoporosis, anxiety and depression and others diseases. Emerging literature has suggested that in terms of mortality, the global population health burden of physical inactivity approaches that of cigarette smoking. The prevalence and substantial disease risk associated with physical inactivity has been described as a pandemic. The prevalence, health impact, and evidence of changeability all have resulted in calls for action to increase physical activity across the lifespan. In response to the need to find ways to make physical activity a health priority for youth, the Institute of Medicine's Committee on Physical Activity and Physical Education in the School Environment was formed. Its purpose was to review the current status of physical activity and physical education in the school environment, including before, during, and after school, and examine the influences of physical activity and physical education on the short and long term physical, cognitive and brain, and psychosocial health and development of children and adolescents. Educating the Student Body makes recommendations about approaches for strengthening and improving programs and policies for physical activity and physical education in the school environment. This report lays out a set of guiding principles to guide its work on these tasks. These included: recognizing the benefits of instilling life-long physical activity habits in children; the value of using systems thinking in improving physical activity and physical education in the school environment; the recognition of current disparities in opportunities and the need to achieve equity in physical activity and physical education; the importance of considering all types of school environments; the need to take into consideration the diversity of students as recommendations are developed. This report will be of interest to local and national policymakers, school officials, teachers, and the education community, researchers, professional organizations, and parents interested in physical activity, physical education, and health for school-aged children and adolescents.

Health and Academic Achievement

Health and Academic Achievement PDF Author: Blandina Bernal-Morales
Publisher: BoD – Books on Demand
ISBN: 1789237300
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 268

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Book Description
Emotional, physical and social well-being describe human health from birth. Good health goes hand in hand with the ability to handle stress for the future. However, biological factors such as diet, life experiences such as drug abuse, bullying, burnout and social factors such as family and community support at the school stage tend to mold health problems, affecting academic achievements. This book is a compilation of current scientific information about the challenges that students, families and teachers face regarding health and academic achievements. Contributions also relate to how physical activity, psychosocial support and other interventions can be made to understand resilience and vulnerability to school desertion. This book will be of interest to readers from broad professional fields, non-specialist readers, and those involved in education policy.

Physical Activity Wellness Course for College Students to Heighten Mental Health Awareness

Physical Activity Wellness Course for College Students to Heighten Mental Health Awareness PDF Author: Brenda Minjares
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 80

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Book Description
Suicide is the third leading cause of death on college campuses (CDC, 2009). Research has shown that physical activity can help enhance mental health and be utilized as a coping skill for diagnosed mental illness. The purpose of this graduate project is to create a physical activity and seeking safety tools curriculum to heighten mental health awareness for college students at a four-year public university. This project includes a 16- week curriculum designed to meet twice a week for 90 minutes per class. It will include a physical activity session followed by discussion using eight different seeking safety topics. Seeking safety tools are beneficial for all individuals even if they do not meet formal substance abuse or PTSD criteria. A physical activity interest survey was created to help students design an individualized movement plan to incorporate both in and beyond the classroom. This survey will also help the instructor plug in what will be done for physical activity during each lesson. Expected outcomes are that this physical activity and safety tools curriculum will heighten mental health awareness and contribute to students' overall success in college. Further research can include sending the curriculum to colleagues for expert feedback. Once this feedback is received the curriculum can be refined and tested in an undergraduate course with special attention to gender differences and class sizes. Additionally, an instructor's manual could be created to assist university instructors in delivering this content.

Routledge Handbook of Physical Activity Policy and Practice

Routledge Handbook of Physical Activity Policy and Practice PDF Author: Joe Piggin
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1317374169
Category : Health & Fitness
Languages : en
Pages : 541

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Book Description
Physical activity, inactivity and their relationship to health are serious concerns for governments around the world. This is the first book to critically examine the policy and practice of physical activity from a multi-disciplinary, social-scientific perspective. Moving beyond the usual biophysical and epidemiological approaches, it defines and explores the key themes that are shaping the global physical activity debate. Unrivalled in its scale and scope, it presents the latest data on physical activity from around the world, including case studies from Europe, North and South America, Africa and Asia. Drawing on social, economic and behavioural sciences, it covers contexts from the global to the local and introduces the dominant ideas which inform the study of physical activity. Its 41 chapters examine the use of different forms of evidence in policymaking, the role of organisations in advocating physical activity, and the practical realities of public health interventions. The Routledge Handbook of Physical Activity Policy and Practice is a landmark publication for all students, academics, policymakers and practitioners interested in the social-scientific study of sport, exercise, physical activity and public health.

THE IMPACT OF A CONCEPTUALLY BASED PHYSICAL ACTIVITY COURSE ON COLLEGE STUDENTS' MENTAL HEALTH.

THE IMPACT OF A CONCEPTUALLY BASED PHYSICAL ACTIVITY COURSE ON COLLEGE STUDENTS' MENTAL HEALTH. PDF Author: Anna Gold
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 94

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Book Description
Mental health issues are prevalent in the college population and may impact students' quality of life and wellbeing. Physical activity has been demonstrated to improve mental health in a variety of populations, including college students. A conceptually based physical activity course may be an educational opportunity for students. Students who strive to be physical active may recognize the positive impact that it can have on mental health. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between a conceptually based physical activity course and college students' mental health. The conceptual basis of this course is to explain what components make up physical activity or exercise, how it affects the human body, and the importance of developing a lifetime physical activity plan. Mental health was operationally defined as stress, mental well-being, and quality of life. METHODS: The 16 - week study took place over Fall 2019. Participants (n = 94) completed online questionnaires for both pre and post course measurements that examined physical activity levels, perceived stress, quality of life, and overall mental health. Physical activity levels were measured subjectively and examined by a 7-Day IPAQ Recall (short form). The Keyes' Mental Health Continuum (short form) addressed students' levels of anxiety and depression. The Quality of Life health survey (12 item) examined students' quality of life. The Perceived Stress Scale (10 item) examined students' stress levels. Descriptive statistics and repeated measures analysis of variance (RM - ANOVA) were used to compare pre and post course mental health scores and self- reported physical activity levels. Pearson correlations were used to determine the relationship between pre and post mental health outcome score. The measurement for effect size was Cohen's d. Statistical significance was set at p [less-than] 0.05. RESULTS: The undergraduate participants included (n = 94; 71.3% female; 71.3% Caucasian; 19.7 ± 1.3 years) 33% sophomores. The average BMI was 24.1 ± 8.4 kg/m2. On average, participants reported participating in 552.8.0 ± 1,298.3 MET minutes of moderate physical activity during the post data collection period, which was an increase of 21.8 MET minutes per week from the pre course period (p = 0.871; d = 0.019). Participants self - reported an average of 1,549.4 ± 2,188.4 MET minutes per week of vigorous activity before the course and only 1,121.6 ± 2,276.5 MET minutes post course (p = 0.119; d = 0.191). It was found that participants engaged in approximately 2,872.0 ± 2,930.8 MET minutes of total leisure activity on a weekly basis upon completion of the course, which was 1,338.7 less MET minutes than their prior active minutes before course (p = 0.001; d = 0.338). Participants scored lower on Keyes' Mental Health Continuum short form post course (M = 65.6 ± 13.8 pre, 63.3 ± 14.7 post; out of a possible total score of 84) but it did not represent any significance within this measured outcome (p = 0.099; d = 0.161). A higher score indicates a higher level of emotional well - being, and a lower score indicates a lower level of emotional or mental well - being. The correlation between pre and post course scores did reflect a moderate, positive association for overall mental well - being (r = .56**; p = 0.000; ** Correlation is significant at the 0.01 level - 2-tailed). Participants scored lower on the Quality of Life Short Form Health Survey post course, but it did not represent any significance between the pre - post change within this measured outcome (M = 31.4 ± 5.2 pre, 30.9 ± 4.4 post; p = 0.423; d = 0.103). A higher score indicates a better quality of life. The correlation between pre and post course scores did reflect a minor, positive association for students' quality of life (r = .10; p = .322). Participants did not report lower scores on the Perceived Stress Scale compared to their pre - course mean scores (M = 29.7 ± 5.8 pre, 29.7 ± 6.3 post; p = 1.00; d = 0). A higher the score indicates higher stress levels. The relationship between pre perceived stress and pre quality of life scores revealed a strong, positive association (r = .71, p = 0.000). CONCLUSION: Results suggest that students were less active post course with minimal change in mental health. Further examination of the effect of a physical activity course on mental health within the college population is warranted.

Examining the Relationship Among Physical Activity, Stress, Depression, and Anxiety in College Students

Examining the Relationship Among Physical Activity, Stress, Depression, and Anxiety in College Students PDF Author: Dorian James Hayden
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Electronic dissertations
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
Mental health challenges have been steadily increasing around college campuses, with consistent findings pointing to ethnic minorities and low socioeconomic groups adversely affected and needing more support than their counterparts. On the other end, physical activity (PA) has consistently been associated with positive mental health outcomes. Therefore, further understanding the relationship among race, socioeconomic status, and PA, as well as college students personal experiences on campuses, is of great importance to improve college student well-being. This two-study dissertation sought to address these relationships. Study 1 evaluated differences in mental health across race, parental education (proxy for SES) and PA. Student obstacles to using on-campus mental health and PA resources were examined in a mixed methods design. Most of the data was collected prior to the establishment of COVID-19 restrictions at a large Midwest university. Mental health levels were anticipated to vary between the variables of race, parental education, and PA, which was partially supported. Results showed that low SES participants had significantly higher levels of depression, while PA was associated with lower levels of anxiety and stress.Study 2 sought to replicate findings of study 1 and test the relationships within the context of a diathesis-stress model that includes PA using an expanded sample of students drawn from a large Midwest university and a smaller East Coast university. In addition to replicating study 1 findings, study 2 yielded several themes that revealed common obstacles of college students and how they overcome those obstacles. The hypothesized relationship among race, SES, PA and mental health was partially supported. Specifically, participants whose parents or guardians had lower levels of education reported higher levels of anxiety, while there were significant differences in mental health across different levels of PA. The other goal of this study was to map the above relationship onto a PA moderating model, including variables of race, parental education, depression, stress, and anxiety, based on an adapted diathesis-stress model. This relationship was not supported by the data. Free response answers revealed interesting themes related to the college student experience and campus resources. Focus groups added to this through discussions on topics like the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health, and advice for future students. Data from study 2 was collected while COVID-19 pandemic restrictions were in place. Overall results expanded knowledge on the experience of COVID-19 on college campus and the interconnection between race, parental education, PA, and mental health. Further social relations were important for student wellbeing. Students' also shared obstacles they faced with the use of on campus mental health and other resources.

Mental Health, Substance Use, and Wellbeing in Higher Education

Mental Health, Substance Use, and Wellbeing in Higher Education PDF Author: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309124123
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 213

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Book Description
Student wellbeing is foundational to academic success. One recent survey of postsecondary educators found that nearly 80 percent believed emotional wellbeing is a "very" or "extremely" important factor in student success. Studies have found the dropout rates for students with a diagnosed mental health problem range from 43 percent to as high as 86 percent. While dealing with stress is a normal part of life, for some students, stress can adversely affect their physical, emotional, and psychological health, particularly given that adolescence and early adulthood are when most mental illnesses are first manifested. In addition to students who may develop mental health challenges during their time in postsecondary education, many students arrive on campus with a mental health problem or having experienced significant trauma in their lives, which can also negatively affect physical, emotional, and psychological wellbeing. The nation's institutions of higher education are seeing increasing levels of mental illness, substance use and other forms of emotional distress among their students. Some of the problematic trends have been ongoing for decades. Some have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic consequences. Some are the result of long-festering systemic racism in almost every sphere of American life that are becoming more widely acknowledged throughout society and must, at last, be addressed. Mental Health, Substance Use, and Wellbeing in Higher Education lays out a variety of possible strategies and approaches to meet increasing demand for mental health and substance use services, based on the available evidence on the nature of the issues and what works in various situations. The recommendations of this report will support the delivery of mental health and wellness services by the nation's institutions of higher education.