An Investigation of the Relationship between Mental Health Disorders, Body Image Perceptions, and Form of Exercise among College-Aged Students

Abstract

The majority of research today shows how there are positive benefits from exercise on mental and physical health. Generally, these benefits include improved self-esteem and improved mood changes through aerobic exercise. With an increase in mental health disorders among college students, research on the negative effects of exercise-related on mental health disorders is limited. Within the research on the negative outcomes related to exercise, much of the literature focuses on anxiety and depression related to body image (i.e., striving to attain an unrealistic body portrayed within social media). In the current study, we focus on the relationship between self-reported symptoms of mental health disorders, including anxiety, depression, negative body image, and forms of exercise. More specifically, we address the relationship between forms of exercise, such as strength training and yoga, and their relationship to symptoms of mental health disorders. This study looks to add to existing research by surveying college students on certain mental health disorder traits and the relationship they have with their current exercise habits. In the current study, females were more likely to be unhappy with their bodies and had higher self-reported anxiety and depression scores. Our results also showed those who participated in weight training reported higher in participation for the health benefits from exercise. We also found those who participated in cardiovascular or endurance training also reported greater health benefits from exercise.