University student mental health is of an increasing concern
- Students may experience:
- Significant mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety
- Encounter higher stress levels compared to other age groups
- Regular physical activity and fitness are strongly linked to improved mental health and well-being and can reduce stress among students
Physical activity interventions to improve mental health and wellbeing in university students in the UK: A service mapping study
Malagodi, F., Dommett, E.J., Findon, J.L., Gardner, B., Physical activity interventions to improve mental health and wellbeing in university students in the UK: A service mapping study, Mental Health and Physical Activity, 2024.
Rates of reported mental health conditions among UK university students have significantly increased over the past 15 years, and similar trends are being observed in other high-income countries (such as USA and Australia). Data for this research was collected from 125 UK universities. The outcomes of this research suggest that only 36% of UK universities offer physical activity programs to their students. These programs focus on enhancing capability and opportunity to be active, not student motivation. It was also observed that students experiencing mental ill-health tend to have poorer academic outcomes and are at a higher risk of withdrawing from their studies.
Physical activity interventions to improve mental health and wellbeing in university students in the UK: A service mapping study – ScienceDirect
An empirical study of physical activity and sports affecting mental health of university students
Congsheng, L., Kayani, S., Khalid, A., An empirical study of physical activity and sports affecting mental health of university students, Frontiers in Psychology, 2022.
This research, involving 512 Malaysian university students, found a positive link between physical activity and mental health. It underscores the importance of promoting physical activity and sport among students to enhance their mental well-being, and highlights the need for professional development for university staff to encourage student participation in these activities.
Research website
Enhancing mental health, well-being and active lifestyles of university students by means of physical activity and exercise research programs.
Herbert, C., Enhancing mental health, well-being and active lifestyles of university students by means of physical activity and exercise research programs, Frontiers in Public Health, 2022.
This research highlights the health risks associated with sitting > 8 hours a day, equating it to the dangers of obesity and smoking, a common issue among young adults, including university students. The study emphasises that low- to moderate-intensity aerobic exercises can alleviate depressive symptoms and perceived stress. Activities such as yoga are particularly effective in enhancing the perception of bodily signals, cardiac activity, and emotion processing immediately after exercise. This research calls for future studies to explore psychological and physiological factors to better understand how such exercises strengthen mental health and promote an active lifestyle among emerging adults.
Research website
Physical exercise, mental health problems, and suicide attempts in university.
Grasdalsmoen, M., Eriksen, H.R., Lønning, K.J. et. al., Physical exercise, mental health problems, and suicide attempts in university students, BMC Psychiatry, 2020.
This research examines the correlation between physical exercise (frequency, intensity, and duration) and mental health issues, including self-harm and suicide attempts, among college and university students. Data was collected from 50,054 full-time Norwegian students aged 18-35 years. The results report lower levels of physical exercise are associated with increased mental health problems and suicidality, with exercise frequency showing the strongest impact. The study highlights a shared political and institutional responsibility to promote physical activity among students to enhance mental health.
Research website
