The Impact of Physical Activity on Stress and Anxiety Levels in College Students

Publication Date

Spring 4-16-2025

Presentation Length

Poster/Gallery presentation

College

College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences

Department

Public Health, Department of

Student Level

Undergraduate

SPARK Category

Research

Faculty Advisor

Christian Williams,

WELL Core Type

Environmental Wellness

Metadata/Fulltext

Metadata ONLY

Presentation Type

Poster

Summary

Abstract

Introduction: The mental health of college students has become a growing concern, with rising levels of stress, anxiety, and depression posing significant challenges to their academic success and well-being. In recent years, there has been a growing prevalence of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues among college students (Lipson et al., 2021), with these problems often being exacerbated by academic pressures and social stressors (Asif et al., 2020). In a review by Mahindru et al, a thorough analysis examined the relationship between physical activity and mental health, highlighting how exercise can positively enhance emotional well-being and contribute to overall mental resilience (2023).

Methods: This 2024 study investigated the relationship between physical activity and self-reported stress and anxiety levels among students at Belmont University. An observational cross-sectional survey design was used to gather data from 104 undergraduate students at Belmont University. Participants were required to be 18 years or older and currently enrolled as full-time students. The survey assessed students' physical activity habits (frequency, duration, and type of activity) and their self-reported levels of stress and anxiety. A total of 12 questions were included, focusing on physical activity habits and mental health perceptions.

Results: The findings showed that students who engaged in physical activity three or more times per week reported significantly lower levels of stress and anxiety compared to those who exercised less frequently. Many participants also reported feeling immediate reductions in stress and anxiety following exercise. Preliminary analysis indicated a negative correlation between physical activity frequency and self-reported stress and anxiety levels.

Discussion: The findings of this study suggest that physical activity can significantly reduce stress and anxiety among college students. Students who exercised three or more times a week reported lower levels of stress and anxiety. These findings align with previous research indicating that exercise boosts mood and mental well-being. Future research could explore how different types of exercise and long-term habits impact mental health outcomes.

References

Asif, S., Mudassar, A., Shahzad, T. Z., Raouf, M., & Pervaiz, T. (2020). Frequency of depression, anxiety and stress among university students. Pakistan journal of medical sciences. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7372668/

Mahindru, A., Patil, P., & Agrawal, V. (2023, January 7). Role of physical activity on mental health and well-being: A Review. Cureus. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9902068/

Mental health conditions among community college students: A national study of prevalence and use of treatment services | psychiatric services. (n.d.-b). https://psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.ps.202000437

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS