| Abstract: | AimProviding effective support for students with mental health concerns is a priority on post-secondary campuses. Recreational programming including physical activity is an evidence-informed approach that can be used to support mental health and well-being. Yet, limited research has examined effective and acceptable strategies for using campus-based physical activity programs to support the mental health of post-secondary students. Using a mixed-methods approach, the current study addressed the acceptability and effectiveness of a physical activity program for student mental health.MethodsIn collaboration with on-campus mental health services, a 6-week one-on-one and individualized physical activity program tailored towards students seeking mental health support was implemented. A pretest-posttest design was used to test the effectiveness of the program and participants (N = 68; Mage = 22.96 years, SD = 3.42; 82% female) completed self-report questionnaires to assess changes in symptoms of psychological distress, depression, and anxiety. Semi-structured interviews (N = 11) with program participants were conducted to explore the acceptability of the program and were analyzed using thematic analysis.ResultsPaired samples t-tests demonstrated a significant reduction in anxiety symptoms, depression symptoms, and psychological distress pre-post program (ps < .05). The generated themes suggested that the program is an acceptable and effective holistic approach for improving mental health among students.ConclusionsThe results provide implications for implementing on-campus physical activity programs as a mental health and well-being intervention. Implications for further understanding principle program design and delivery strategies are discussed. |
