The effects of exercise on mental health among college students

Mark P. Takacs; Shala E. Davis; Anthony Drago; Kyle S. Beyer

doi:10.55225/hppa.597

Authors

Mark P. Takacs East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania, East Stroudsburg, PA, USA https://orcid.org/0009-0003-5649-3318
Shala E. Davis East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania, East Stroudsburg, PA, USA https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6933-7889
Anthony Drago East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania, East Stroudsburg, PA, USA
Kyle S. Beyer Ursinus College, Department of Health Sciences, Collegeville, PA, USA

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55225/hppa.597

Keywords:

anxiety, depression, physical activity, young adults

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of mental health (MH) disorders among college-aged young adults is alarmingly high, with many also experiencing poor physical health and comorbidities. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of exercise on MH among college students.

Materials and methods: Fifteen participants (60% males, 20.0 ± 2.0 years) participated in this 8-week study. Nine participants completed the exercise (EX) intervention, while 6 formed the non-exercise control (CON) group. The Depression Anxiety Stress Scores (DASS-21) instrument was used to collect data for the dependent variable and analyzed using linear mixed models (LMM).

Results: No statistically significant differences were found in depression (F = 0.015, p = 0.904), anxiety (F = 1.038, p = 0.327), and overall MH (F = 0.266, p = 0.615) scores between groups or over time. The EX group’s pre/post scores (mean ± standard deviation) for depression (pre: 1.11 ± 2.62, post: 2.44 ± 5.34), anxiety (pre: 1.00 ± 0.87, post: 3.11 ± 2.52), and overall MH (pre: 3.33 ± 5.34, post: 8.55 ± 13.06). The CON group’s pre/post scores for depression (pre: 0.66 ± 1.21, post: 2.32 ± 3.83), anxiety (pre: 1.67 ± 2.40, post: 5.16 ± 6.49), and overall MH (pre: 4.33 ± 4.23, post: 13.33 ± 16.91).

Conclusion: Although there were no statistically significant differences in depression, anxiety, and overall MH scores between the EX and CON groups, the findings may have practical implications. Notably, the anxiety and overall MH scores in the CON group exceeded the normal classification, and the EX group maintained normal scores throughout the 8-week intervention. These findings suggest that regular exercise likely plays a crucial role in sustaining MH status, highlighting its importance as a preventive measure rather than solely a therapeutic intervention.

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Author Biographies

Shala E. Davis, East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania, East Stroudsburg, PA, USA

Department of Exercise Science, East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania, East Stroudsburg, PA, 18301, USA

Anthony Drago, East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania, East Stroudsburg, PA, USA

Department of Psychology, East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania, East Stroudsburg, PA 18031, USA

Kyle S. Beyer, Ursinus College, Department of Health Sciences, Collegeville, PA, USA

Department of Health Sciences, Ursinus College, Collegeville, PA, 19426, USA

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