The Effects of Physical Activity and Exercise on the
Well-Being of College Students
By: Alison Hydle, Danielle Pelini & Gulay Yazar.
College
Background/Why we chose this topic.
EXERCISE AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY HAVE A POSITIVE
CORRELATION WITH WELL-BEING OF COLLEGE STUDENTS.
The problem
Physical activity and exercise:
The solution!
Youtube & Exercise Apps
Experiment and find something YOU enjoy!
PICOT Question:
P- College students
I- Exercise and physical activity (takes many forms)
C- Physical activity vs sedentary lifestyle. Physical
activity for benefit, rather than for dependency.
O- positive impact on well-being
T-college (generally people 15-24 years of age)
DOES EXERCISE AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY EFFECT
THE WELL-BEING OF COLLEGE STUDENTS?
Self-esteem and self-perception:
Exercise and physical activity…
-Can increase self-esteem increase in ones overall self-worth.
-Creates a positive cycle.
-Enhances mood and creates a more positive state of mind.
-Makes one feel good about themselves and physical abilities, as
well as physique.
-Provides a sense of accomplishmentBoosts confidence and
motivation to continue.
Depression
Suicide is currently the second most common cause of death among college
students aged 25-34 and third leading cause of death of 15-24-year-olds
Exercise and physical activity…
-Can be an effective treatment for clinical depression or decrease the risk of
developing clinical depression.
-Can increase ones self-worth.
-Exercise and other physical activity have proven to be both preventative and a
form of treatment.
-Increases blood flow to brainreleases endorphins (natural antidepressant).
-Releases neurotransmitters, like serotonin, which lifts mood.
Anxiety and Stress
Stress is inevitable!
Exercise and physical activity…
-Can help eliminate stress Increase in over-all academic
performance.
-Works as well as medication for some people to reduce symptoms
of anxiety and depression, when done regularly.
-Has long lasting effects.
-Is good for the mind
Emotion and Mood
Exercise and physical activity…
- Can be effective in improving the mental well-being of general
public through improved mood and self-perception.
-Causes a release of neurotransmitters, like serotonin.
-Improves mood.
-”…. makes you feel good.”
Cognitive Performance
Regular physical activity can….
-Improve brain function.
-Reduce stress and anxiety Focus and increased cognitive
performance.
Sleep Quality
Insomnia…
-Effects ~1/3 of adult population.
-Is associated with poor work performance and psychological
dysfunction.
Interest of the effect of exercise has increased due to SE of sleeping pills.
Sleep Quality continued:
Exercise and physical activity…
-Produces endorphin-chemicals in the brain that act as natural pain
killers.
-Improves the ability to sleep Reduces stress.
-Makes the body crave sleep. Good sleep has positive effect on
mood and performance of daily tasks.
Negative Effects
-Exercise dependence OR exercise commitment?
Differentiated by positive vs. negative motivation.
-Eating disorders.
-Banned substances
-Small % effected. Unlikely to suffer negative consequences.
Conclusions:
Exercise and physical activity…
-Can reduce mental illness. Useful in combatting depression.
-Is a stress reliever. Reduces anxiety level.
-Can improve self-esteem.
-Can be great for college students!!!
Sources:
Hyde, A. L., Maher, J. P., & Elavsky, S. (2013). Enhancing our understanding of physical activity and wellbeing with a lifespan perspective.
International Journal of Wellbeing, 3(1), 98-115. doi:10.5502/ijw.v3i1.6
Fox, Dr. Kenneth R. (1999) The influence of physical activity on mental well-being. Public Health Nutrition: 2(3a), 411–418
Gill, D. L., Hammond, C. C., Reifsteck, E. J., Jehu, C. M., Williams, R. A., Adams, M. M., … Shang, Y.-T. (2013). Physical Activity and Quality of Life.
Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, 46(Suppl 1), S28–S34. Retrieved from
http://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.2013.46.S.S28.
Miner, Jatha. (2003) "The Effects of Physical Activity and Excerise On Well-being." The Review: A Journal of Undergraduate Student Research 6:
26-35. Web. Retrieved from http://fisherpub.sjfc.edu/ur/vol6/iss1/7
Saurer, Rachel (2016, December 12) Suicide is now second-leading cause of death among college students. Retrieved from
https://collegian.com/2016/12/suicide-now-second-leading-cause-of-death-among-college-students/.
Wike, Hannah Kruse (2015, May) Examining the Relationships Between Physical Activity, Psychological Well-being, and Stress in a College
Population. Retrieved from https://scholar.utc.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1319&context=theses
Anbarasu, M.; Chandramohan, V.(2015, May) Yoga in the Management of Depression among Students Retrieved from
https://www.questia.com/library/journal/1P3-4014661281/yoga-in-the-management-of-depression-among-students
Zheng G, Lan X, Li M, Ling K, Lin H, et al. (2015) Effectiveness of Tai Chi on Physical and Psychological Health of College Students: Results of a
Randomized Controlled Trial. PLOS ONE 10(7): e0132605. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0132605
Thank you
