By Jessica Kane

What is mental health!? A state of emotional and psychological well-being in which an individual is able to use his or her cognitive and emotional capabilities, function in society, and meet the ordinary demands of life.

Research question 33% of college students were clinically depressed. We conducted this study to examine the degree to which college students are affected by stress, depression, and anxiety, and the impact of physical activity on these mental issues.

Literature Early Recollections: Detecting Depression in College Students Social Connectedness, Self-Esteem, and Depression Symptomatology Among Collegiate Athletes Versus Nonathletes Living longer and feeling better: healthy lifestyle, self- rated health, obesity and depression in Ireland Dating Violence Victimization, Relationship Satisfaction, Mental Health Problems, and Acceptability of Violence: A Comparison of Men and Women

Literature continued… The Effect of Meditation on Physical and Mental Health in Junior College Students: A Quasi- Experimental Study Mental Well-Being and Sport-Related Identities in College Students Associations between physical activity and perceived stress/hassles in college students Prevalence of Depressive Symptoms in Male Intercollegiate Student-Athletes and Nonathletes

Literature continued… Associations Between Physical Activity and Reduced Rates of Hopelessness, Depression, and Suicidal Behavior Among College Students Effects of Tai Chi Exercise on Physical and Mental Health of College Students

100 Survey Participants

Breakdown of Years

Breakdown of Freshman (33)

Breakdown of Sophomores (35)

Breakdown of Juniors (20)

Breakdown of Seniors (12)

General Questions

Family Medical History

Physical Activity

Stressors

Diagnoses Depression MalesFemalesTotal #2/706/308/100 %2.86%20%8% Anxiety MalesFemalesTotal #5/706/3011/100 %7.14%20%11%

Do you participate in any stress management techniques?

For those who said yes-

On a scale of 1-5 (5 being the most)…

Males 1 hour or less of physical activity per week 2-3 hours of physical activity per week 4-5 hours of physical activity per week 6+ hours of physical activity per week # Diagnosed with Depression 1/30/60/221/39 % Diagnosed with Depression 33.3%0% 2.56% # Diagnosed with Anxiety 2/30/62/221/39 % Diagnosed with Anxiety 66.6%0%9%2.56% Average stress levels from

Females 1 hour or less of physical activity per week 2-3 hours of physical activity per week 4-5 hours of physical activity per week 6+ hours of physical activity per week # Diagnosed with Depression 3/30/62/91/12 % Diagnosed with Depression 100%0%22.23%8.3% # Diagnosed with Anxiety 3/30/61/92/12 % Diagnosed with Anxiety 100%0%11.1%16.67% Average stress levels from

Discussion Research Question: To what degree are college students affected by stress, depression, and anxiety; is there a connection with physical activity to these issues? 66% of men who carried on with one hour or less of exercise per week were diagnosed with anxiety, 100% of women who carried on with one hour or less of exercise per week were diagnosed with anxiety. 0% men in the 2-3 hour range of physical activity were diagnosed with depression or anxiety.

Discussion continued… 0% of women in the 2-3 hour range of physical activity were diagnosed with depression or anxiety. Moderate (2-3 hours) amount of exercise seems to be more beneficial for mental health than a large amount (6+). In order to improve our study, we would conduct it longitudinally so we could more carefully examine the changes in mental health with the incorporation of physical activity