The Effects of a Physical Activity Program on Mood States in College Students

Abstract

College students are at risk for adverse mental and physical health. Physical activity (PA) can reduce risks and promote positive mental health; however, less than half (49.9%) of college students meet the American College of Sports Medicine (2017) recommendations for PA. The purpose of this study was to implement and evaluate an evidence-based PA program (#ubwell) designed in collaboration with university counseling services to enhance mood states and promote continued PA in college students. The program was held for 5 weeks. Students (n = 21) completed pre and post measures of perceived health, PA participation, intrinsic motivation, and mood states, and a post program evaluation. Additionally, participants recorded Feeling Scale and Felt Arousal Scale ratings before, during (mid-way) and after each weekly PA session.Results showed intrinsic motivation significantly increased from pre to post (p = .02).Participants experienced increases in positive feelings and energy levels across all PA sessions. However, pre and post measures of perceived health, PA participation, and mood states did not differ. Confounding factors such as participant illness, campus mourning (i.e., deaths of two students the week before), and mid-term/final exams may have influenced results. Possibly, PA provided a coping strategy during those stressful times that maintained mood and PA participation levels. Additional research with larger samples and longer programs may provide greater insight into the benefits of PA programs for mental health and wellness. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS This project is the result of the unwavering support from my family, friends, colleagues, and mentors. I would like to dedicate this work in memory of my father, Robert Wingfield, and my uncle, Bobby Meadows. Their U.S. Army (father) and public education (uncle) service were beacons of dedication, pride, and motivation that inspires me to this day. I also dedicate this to my mother, Margie Wingfield, whose strength, determination, perseverance and love inspire and motivate me. To my sister, Terri Tominich, I am proud of you, I love you, and I appreciate all the support you give me. To my loving, supportive husband, Eric Powell, your patience and gentle nudges were instrumental in keeping me on this path. I love you with all my heart and thank you for