Physical activity and sedentary behaviors and the impact on college student’s stress, depression, and anxiety

Abstract

University students are at a significant risk for mental health issues, including stress and depression. Negative mental health among college-aged adults continues to rise, impacting students’ cognitive function, academic performance, social development, and overall well-being. Rather than offering support through medication, physical activity has demonstrated a potential behavioral approach to reduce students’ stress and anxiety. The current study examined the influence of young adults’ physical activity and sedentary behavior levels and their self-reported stress, depression, and psychological well-being. Participants were undergraduate and graduate students recruited from a Midwestern university and a Mid-Southern university. Multiple linear regressions estimated mean differences in participants’ self-reported stress, depression, and psychological well-being based on their physical activity levels and sitting minutes. Moderate levels of physical activity improved participants’ growth psychological well-being (p = .01). Vigorous physical activity had an effect on participants’ relations, purpose, and self-acceptance (p<0.05). Daily sitting minutes significantly affected participants’ stress, perceived stress, depression, and environmental psychological wellness (p<0.05). Results demonstrate how physical activity can be a natural medicine for symptoms of stress and depression. Current outcomes support the development of future programs to prevent and react to mental health via physical activity.