Thesis Abstract

Abstract
This thesis presents a comprehensive examination of the impact of physical activity on mental health in college students through a longitudinal study. The research aims to investigate the relationship between physical activity levels and mental health outcomes over an extended period, focusing on the unique challenges and stressors faced by college students. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to provide a comprehensive analysis of the subject matter. The introduction provides an overview of the background of the study, problem statement, research objectives, limitations, scope, significance, and structure of the thesis. The literature review explores ten key themes related to physical activity and mental health in college students, synthesizing existing research findings and identifying gaps in the current literature. The research methodology chapter outlines the study design, sampling strategy, data collection methods, and data analysis techniques employed in the study. It also discusses ethical considerations, reliability, and validity of the research findings. The findings chapter presents a detailed discussion of the results obtained from the longitudinal study, highlighting the impact of physical activity on various aspects of mental health in college students. The conclusion and summary chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the key findings, implications of the study, and recommendations for future research and practice. The thesis concludes with a reflection on the significance of the research findings and their potential contributions to the field of health and physical education. Overall, this thesis contributes valuable insights into the relationship between physical activity and mental health in college students, highlighting the importance of promoting regular physical activity as a means of enhancing mental well-being and overall quality of life.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "The Impact of Physical Activity on Mental Health in College Students: A Longitudinal Study" aims to investigate the relationship between physical activity and mental health among college students over an extended period. This longitudinal study will focus on understanding how regular physical activity influences the mental well-being of college students, taking into account various factors such as stress levels, anxiety, depression, and overall psychological health. The research will address the gap in existing literature by conducting a comprehensive analysis that tracks the mental health outcomes of college students engaging in different levels of physical activity over time. By adopting a longitudinal approach, the study aims to provide insights into the long-term effects of physical activity on mental health, offering valuable information for educators, health professionals, and policymakers. Through this research, we seek to explore the potential benefits of physical activity in promoting positive mental health outcomes among college students, including improved mood, reduced stress, enhanced cognitive function, and overall well-being. By examining the impact of physical activity on mental health longitudinally, we aim to offer a deeper understanding of the mechanisms through which physical activity can positively influence mental health outcomes in this specific population. The study will involve collecting data through surveys, interviews, and objective measurements to assess both physical activity levels and mental health indicators among college students at multiple points in time. By analyzing these data using appropriate statistical methods and longitudinal analysis techniques, we aim to identify patterns, trends, and associations that shed light on the relationship between physical activity and mental health in college students. Overall, this research overview highlights the significance of investigating the impact of physical activity on mental health in college students through a longitudinal study. By providing a detailed analysis of this relationship, the study aims to contribute valuable insights to the fields of health promotion, education, and psychology, ultimately informing interventions and strategies to support the mental well-being of college students through physical activity engagement.