Does Physical Activity Mediate the Effect of Residential Greenness on Mental Health and Subjective Well-Being? Findings from the Sister Study

This research aimed to explore the effects of physical activity and training routine on mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic and the proclaimed emergency state and curfew. To measure the mental health components of psychological distress and subjective well-being, two studies were conducted on different samples: Study 1 during the beginning of curfew in Serbia (N = 678) and Study 2 during the ending phase (N = 398). The results of Study 1 showed that elite athletes as well as those with high level of physical activity experienced the lowest distress. Furthermore, effects of the changes in the training routine on distress among physically active individuals depended on the level of sports participation with elite athletes who reduced trainings showing lower anxiety compared to recreational athletes who reduced trainings as well or kept the same training routine. Thus, we could conclude that in the early stage of the pandemic, elite athletes showed better mental health and adaptability to the crisis situation. Results of Study 2 showed that although all the participants had decreased well-being during the curfew, compared to the period before the pandemic and the curfew, there were no differences in well-being between elite and recreational athletes, who had higher well-being compared to non-athletes. However, this effect held both before and during the curfew showing that physically active individuals did not additionally benefit from this decrease compared to the non-active. Furthermore, athletes who became physically inactive showed lower well-being compared to those who kept the same training routine. Thus, in the later stage of the pandemic, prolonged physical inactivity had negative effects on mental health.

Download Full-text

Older and More Experienced? Comparing Mainland Chinese International Students in Canada on Social Cognitive Correlates of Leisure Time Physical Activity, Acculturation, and Mental Health by Study Year

Building Healthy Academic Communities Journal ◽

10.18061/bhac.v3i2.7014 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (2) ◽

pp. 8

Author(s):

Kimberley D. Curtin ◽

Tanya R. Berry ◽

Gordon J. Walker

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Physical Activity ◽

International Students ◽

Self Efficacy ◽

Social Cognitive ◽

Well Being ◽

Chinese International Students ◽

First Year ◽

Subjective Well Being ◽

Second Year

Background: Physical activity is a mandatory component of many university programs in China and there is evidence that Chinese students value physical activity for health (Chen & Liu, 2008); however, academics are generally prioritized as students advance in their studies (Ha, Macdonald, & Pang, 2010). Among international students in the United States, Asian students were found to have some of the lowest rates of physical activity, which could be linked with many combinations of cultural, environmental, and individual barriers (Yoh, Yang, & Gordon, 2008). Physical activity may aid in healthy transitions for Chinese international students. Aim: Chinese international students were compared by study year on physical activity, mental health, culture, and social cognitive theory variables. Method: First year (n = 92), second year (n = 52), and senior (n = 77) international students studying in Canada were compared on physical activity, self-efficacy, intention, access, stress, acculturative stress, subjective well-being, acculturation, and self-construal. The relationships between the social cognitive, mental health, culture variables, and physical activity were also compared. Results: Senior students perceived fewer places to do physical activity and more discrimination compared to first- and second-year students. Senior students experienced more academic pressure and guilt towards their family compared to second year students. First year students reported more general stress compared to second year students. Self-efficacy, intention, and exercise to reduce stress shared relationships with vigorous physical activity. Subjective well-being was related to moderate physical activity, and self-efficacy and independent self-construal were related to walking. Walking decreased by study year. Conclusions: Physical activity may be used to improve mental health for Chinese international students, but interventions may need to be adjusted or implemented depending on the academic stage of the student.

Download Full-text

Physical activity, mental health, and well-being in very preterm and term born adolescents. An individual participant data meta-analysis of two accelerometry studies

10.31234/osf.io/9z8ph ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Asteria Brylka ◽

Dieter Wolke ◽

Sebastian Ludyga ◽

Ayten Bilgin ◽

Juliane Spiegler ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Well Being ◽

Individual Participant Data ◽

Subjective Well Being ◽

Peer Problems ◽

Very Preterm ◽

Individual Participant ◽

Health And Well Being

Preprint manuscriptVery preterm birth is a risk factor for later mental health problems. This study examined whether physical activity is associated with better mental health and well-being among very preterm (≤32 weeks) and term born (≥37 weeks) adolescents alike or whether the associations are stronger in either of the groups. Physical activity was measured with accelerometry in children born very preterm and at term in two cohorts, the Basel Study of Preterm Children (BSPC; 40 adolescents born ≤ 32 weeks of gestation and 59 term born controls aged 12.3 years) and the Millennium Cohort Study (MCS; 45 adolescents born ≤ 32 weeks of gestation and 3,137 term born controls aged 14.2 years). In both cohorts, emotional and behavioural problems were mother-reported using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Subjective well-being was self-reported using the Kidscreen-52 Questionnaire in the BSPC and single items in the MCS. Hierarchical regressions with ‘preterm status x physical activity’-interaction effects were subjected to individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis. IPD meta-analysis showed that higher levels of physical activity were associated with lower levels of emotional symptoms and peer problems, higher levels of psychological well-being, better self-perception/body image, and school related well-being, but also higher levels of hyperactivity/inattention. Overall the effect-sizes were small and the associations did not differ significantly between very preterm and term born adolescents. Physical activity was associated with lower levels of emotional and peer problems and higher levels of subjective well-being among adolescents, irrespective of whether they were born very preterm or at term.

Download Full-text

Relationship between Empathy, Self-Efficacy and Subjective Well-being of Elderly Participating in Physical Activity

Korean Journal of Sport Studies ◽

10.23949/kjpe.2017.05.56.3.26 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 56 (3) ◽

pp. 349-361 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Sung-Jee Yang

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Self Efficacy ◽

Well Being ◽

Subjective Well Being

Download Full-text

An influence of social isolation on the level of physical activity as well as on well-being and mental state of people during the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic

Polish Journal of Public Health ◽

10.2478/pjph-2019-0029 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 129 (4) ◽

pp. 127-131

Author(s):

Agnieszka Parfin ◽

Krystian Wdowiak ◽

Marzena Furtak-Niczyporuk ◽

Jolanta Herda

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Social Isolation ◽

Small Sample Size ◽

Statistical Tests ◽

Population Group ◽

Well Being ◽

Small Sample ◽

Subjective Well Being ◽

Tract Infections ◽

The Impact

AbstractIntroduction. The COVID-19 is the name of an infectious disease caused by a new strain of coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2). It was first diagnosed in December 2019 in patients in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. The symptoms are dominated by features of respiratory tract infections, in some patients with a very severe course leading to respiratory failure and, in extreme cases to death. Due to the spread of the infection worldwide, the WHO declared a pandemic in March 2020.Aim. An investigation of the impact of social isolation introduced due to the coronavirus pandemic on selected aspects of life. The researchers focused on observing changes in habits related to physical activity and their connections with people’s subjective well-being and emotional state.Material and methods. The study was carried out within the international project of the group „IRG on COVID and exercise”. The research tool was a standardized questionnaire.Results. Based on the data collected and the analysis of the percentage results, it can be observed that the overwhelming majority of people taking up physical activity reported a better mood during the pandemic. However, statistical tests do not confirm these relationships due to the small sample size.Conclusions. Isolation favours physical activity. Future, in-depth studies, by enlarging the population group, are necessary to confirm the above observations.

Download Full-text

Dual impacts of coronavirus anxiety on mental health in 35 societies

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-87771-1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Sylvia Xiaohua Chen ◽

Jacky C. K. Ng ◽

Bryant P. H. Hui ◽

Algae K. Y. Au ◽

Wesley C. H. Wu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Severe Depression ◽

Psychological Adaptation ◽

Well Being ◽

Subjective Health ◽

Depression Symptoms ◽

Subjective Well Being ◽

Emotional Symptoms ◽

Perceived Vulnerability

AbstractThe spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has affected both physical health and mental well-being around the world. Stress-related reactions, if prolonged, may result in mental health problems. We examined the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health in a multinational study and explored the effects of government responses to the outbreak. We sampled 18,171 community adults from 35 countries/societies, stratified by age, gender, and region of residence. Across the 35 societies, 26.6% of participants reported moderate to extremely severe depression symptoms, 28.2% moderate to extremely severe anxiety symptoms, and 18.3% moderate to extremely severe stress symptoms. Coronavirus anxiety comprises two factors, namely Perceived Vulnerability and Threat Response. After controlling for age, gender, and education level, perceived vulnerability predicted higher levels of negative emotional symptoms and psychological distress, whereas threat response predicted higher levels of self-rated health and subjective well-being. People in societies with more stringent control policies had more threat response and reported better subjective health. Coronavirus anxiety exerts detrimental effects on subjective health and well-being, but also has the adaptive function in mobilizing safety behaviors, providing support for an evolutionary perspective on psychological adaptation.

Download Full-text

Older Adults’ Subjective Well-being Following an Exergame Intervention “Bandit the Dolphin”: Focus Group Findings

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.549 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 169-170

Author(s):

Brittany Drazich ◽

Breanna Crane ◽

Kyle Moored ◽

Karl Shieh ◽

Janiece Taylor ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Older Adults ◽

Mental Illness ◽

Focus Groups ◽

Well Being ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Mental Illness Stigma ◽

Subjective Well Being ◽

Future Health ◽

Adult Participants

Abstract Due to generational mental illness stigma and under diagnosis of mental illness, older adults do not always receive the mental health help that they need. One unique technology that has the potential to improve mood in older adults is exergames, or exercise video games. The objective of this sub-study (main study: Stimulation With Intricate Movements “SWIM” Study) was to explore older adults’ mood following an exergame intervention called “Bandit the Dolphin,” created by the Johns Hopkins KATA Studio. Researchers conducted three focus groups with 14 community-dwelling older adult participants who took part in the SWIM Study exergame intervention. The semi-structured focus groups were transcribed, coded, and analyzed using deductive and inductive techniques described by Ray Maietta’s “sort and sift, think and shift” method. Three themes related to playing “Bandit the Dolphin” and mood emerged. First, participants described their perceived association between activity and mood. Participants felt that both active and passive activities, “Bandit the Dolphin” and otherwise, improved their mood through the “fun” factor, and through feelings of achievement. Second, the participants described that the competition and frustration of playing “Bandit the Dolphin” increased eventual feelings of achievement. Third, participants described how feelings of immersion, or being absorbed in the game, helped them forget their other life concerns. These findings provide a better understanding of older adults’ perceived relationship between an exergame intervention, “Bandit the Dolphin,” and short-term improved mood. Future health and engineering researchers should explore exergames as a potential tool to improve the mental health of older adults.

Download Full-text

Participation in community gardening: Sowing the seeds of well-being

Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy ◽

10.1177/0008417421994385 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 000841742199438

Author(s):

Melinda J. Suto ◽

Shelagh Smith ◽

Natasha Damiano ◽

Shurli Channe

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Social Connectedness ◽

Community Gardens ◽

Well Being ◽

Supported Housing ◽

Research Approach ◽

Subjective Well Being ◽

Health Issues ◽

Community Gardening ◽

Mental Health Issues

Background. Sustaining well-being challenges people with serious mental health issues. Community gardening is an occupation used to promote clients’ well-being, yet there is limited evidence to support this intervention. Purpose. This paper examines how facilitated community gardening programs changed the subjective well-being and social connectedness of people living with mental health issues. Method. A community-based participatory research approach and qualitative methods were used with 23 adults living in supported housing and participating in supported community gardening programs. A constructivist approach guided inductive data analysis. Findings. Participation in community gardening programs enhanced well-being through welcoming places, a sense of belonging, and developing positive feelings through doing. The connection to living things and responsibility for plants grounded participants in the present and offered a unique venue for learning about gardening and themselves. Implications. Practitioners and service-users should collaborate to develop leadership, programs, places, and processes within community gardens to enhance well-being.

Download Full-text

Physical activity and mental well-being under COVID-19 lockdown: a cross-sectional multination study

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-021-10931-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Costas I. Karageorghis ◽

Jonathan M. Bird ◽

Jasmin C. Hutchinson ◽

Mark Hamer ◽

Yvonne N. Delevoye-Turrell ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Young Adults ◽

Sedentary Behavior ◽

Online Survey ◽

Electronic Device ◽

Well Being ◽

Middle Aged ◽

Steps Per Day ◽

Western Nations

Abstract Background COVID-19 lockdowns have reduced opportunities for physical activity (PA) and encouraged more sedentary lifestyles. A concomitant of sedentariness is compromised mental health. We investigated the effects of COVID-19 lockdown on PA, sedentary behavior, and mental health across four Western nations (USA, UK, France, and Australia). Methods An online survey was administered in the second quarter of 2020 (N = 2541). We measured planned and unplanned dimensions of PA using the Brunel Lifestyle Physical Activity Questionnaire and mental health using the 12-item General Health Questionnaire. Steps per day were recorded only from participants who used an electronic device for this purpose, and sedentary behavior was reported in hours per day (sitting and screen time). Results In the USA and Australia samples, there was a significant decline in planned PA from pre- to during lockdown. Among young adults, Australians exhibited the lowest planned PA scores, while in middle-aged groups, the UK recorded the highest. Young adults exhibited the largest reduction in unplanned PA. Across nations, there was a reduction of ~ 2000 steps per day. Large increases in sedentary behavior emerged during lockdown, which were most acute in young adults. Lockdown was associated with a decline in mental health that was more pronounced in women. Conclusions The findings illustrate the deleterious effects of lockdown on PA, sedentary behavior, and mental health across four Western nations. Australian young and lower middle-aged adults appeared to fare particularly badly in terms of planned PA. The reduction in steps per day is equivalent to the non-expenditure of ~ 100 kcal. Declines in mental health show how harmful lockdowns can be for women in particular.

Download Full-text