Details

Sub Category

Exercise as a Strategy for Student Success

University students experience high rates of psychological distress, poor mental health, and declining wellbeing, all of which can negatively affect academic performance and student retention. Researchers from the University of Newcastle have developed the PEAK (Mood, Mind and Marks) program to address growing concerns about student mental health, wellbeing and academic performance. Using behavioural science, student focus groups and staff interviews, this research reports that many students view exercise as competing with study, rather than supporting it. The research suggests students are more motivated to exercise when they understand its benefits for learning, concentration and mental wellbeing. This provides universities with a practical, evidence-based approach to supporting both student success and retention.

Citation: Brown, C. E. B., Richardson, K., Segrave, R. A., et. al. Developing the PEAK mood, mind, and marks program to support university students’ mental and cognitive health through physical exercise: a qualitative study using the Behaviour Change Wheel. BMC Public Health, 2024. (link)

More Articles in Mental Health

Expanding Mental Health Support Through Online Care

University students face growing demand for accessible mental health support, but questions remain about whether digital services can deliver meaningful outcomes in routine care. Macquarie University evaluated an internet‑delivered cognitive behavioural therapy program offered through the university’s counselling service for students experiencing anxiety and depression. Over five years, the study found significant reductions in both […]

Assessing The Impact Of a University Mental Health Strategy

Despite growing investment in university mental health initiatives, evidence on their effectiveness remains limited. Researchers from Deakin University evaluated the impact of the university’s Student Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy by comparing student survey data collected before (2019) and after (2022) its implementation. While overall mental health outcomes showed little improvement, the researchers noted that […]

FISU Healthy Campus Program Signatories

Keep up to date

Interested in Healthy Campus Content? Sign up to our exclusive mailer.

Join the community

Stay up to date with Healthy Campus news from Australia and around the world.
UniSport acknowledges and pays respect to all traditional custodians of the lands of which we run, jump and throw throughout Australia. We pay respect to elders both past, present and emerging.
Copyright © 2026 UniSport. All Rights Reserved.