The influence of mindful exercise on mood state and perceived stress in community college students
Year: 2019
Type: article
Study design: Clinical Trial
Abstract: Mood disorders are pervasive among community college students and can put them at higher risk for developing more severe disorders and academic failure. Mindful exercise, including yoga, Tai Chi, and others has been shown to improve mood within this population. Therefore, more research is necessary to better understand the relationship of regular mindful exercise to the perception of mood in community college students. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of participation in mindful exercise courses on community college students’ perception of perceived stress and general mood over a 16-week semester. Eighteen students (13 female, and 5 male) participated in the study and completed the courses in Fall 2018. Measures included pre- mid- and post-study surveys measuring participants’ self-perception of their general mood, stress, and physical activity. Results showed positive, although not statistically significant, trends in participants’ perception of improved mood and decreased feelings of stress and fatigue. Findings suggest the practice of mindful exercise can positively influence community college students’ perceived stress and mood. Further study is needed to explore other methods of incorporating mindful exercise into the community college environment in both the academic and non-academic settings.
Author: David John Opon
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2964165773