Relations of Physical Activity and Mental Health in University Students

Purpose: Given the elevated levels of perceived stress and depression among university students, there is an increasing concern of university students' mental health (O'Neal, Dunn, & Martinsen, 2000). While mental health benefit of participation in physical activity is well acknowledged, studies examining this relationship for university students have been minimal. In addition, little research is available examining other factors that may be associated with mental health condition among university students. The purpose of this study was to examine association between leisure-time physical activity and mental health among university students. In addition, this study was also intended to identify other factors related to university students' mental health condition.

Methods: A modified questionnaire based on the Beck Depression Inventory (Beck, Steer, & Brown, 1996) and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (Hoeger & Hoeger, 2005) was administered to 30 university students as a pilot survey, which resulted in a final version of the questionnaire after further revision based on the feedback of the pilot version. The final version of the questionnaire contained six categories (leisure-time physical activity, academic performance, time management, social network, social support, and depression symptom) and was administered to 120 students from three universities. Analysis/Results:Coefficient alphas for the six categories were all greater than .70, and a split-half coefficient of .85 was obtained, indicating acceptable internal consistency of the questionnaire. Forty percent of the sample fell in physically inactive category, with less than 50-minute moderate to vigorous physical activity each week. Eighteen percent of sample show symptoms of depression or anxiety, with anxiety score more than 60 (out of 100). A standard linear regression analysis revealed a significant association between leisure-time physical activity and reduced depression (r = - 0.52, p < .005), but no significant relationship between leisure-time physical activity and academic performance was identified. With Pearson correlation analysis, social network was found to have a significant correlation with leisure-time physical activity (r = .57, p < .001) and with reduced depression (r = -.43, p =.001) as well. Further, a significant correlation between time management and reduced depression (r = -.62, p < .05) was identified.

Conclusions: It is concluded that leisure-time physical activity is associated with enhanced mental health condition among university students. In addition, good social network and time management skills may contribute to mental health maintenance and promotion as well. The findings could be used as guidance of mental health promotion for university students.