ERIC Number: EJ981205
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012-Mar
Pages: 12
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1087-3244
EISSN: N/A
Undergraduate Physical Activity and Depressive Symptoms: A National Study
Elliot, Catherine A.; Kennedy, Catherine; Morgan, George; Anderson, Sharon K.; Morris, Debra
American Journal of Health Behavior, v36 n2 p230-241 Mar 2012
Objective: To study the effects of college students' physical activity and gender on depressive and suicidal symptoms. Method: The National College Health Assessment survey was administered to college students nationwide. Data were analyzed with 4x2 ANOVAs and Games-Howell post hoc tests when appropriate. Results: More frequent physical activity related to less frequent depressive symptoms and consideration of suicide, but not with attempted suicide. Males reported depressive symptoms less frequently than did females. Conclusion: Depression research has implications for an increasingly sedentary college population. Institutions should provide increased access and knowledge pertaining to emotional health and psychological benefits through physical activity.
Descriptors: Physical Activities, Mental Health, Depression (Psychology), Suicide, College Students, Data Analysis, Gender Differences, Symptoms (Individual Disorders), Surveys, Males, Females, Comparative Analysis
PNG Publications. 9728 Evening Bird Lane, Laurel, MD 20723. Tel: 301-725-4644; Fax: 301-725-4644; Web site: http://www.ajhb.org/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A