Graduation Date
Spring 2018
Document Type
Thesis
Program
Master of Science degree with a major in Kinesiology, option Teaching/Coaching
Committee Chair Name
Dr. Sheila Alicea
Committee Chair Affiliation
HSU Faculty or Staff
Second Committee Member Name
Dr. Justus Ortega
Second Committee Member Affiliation
HSU Faculty or Staff
Third Committee Member Name
Alisha Gaskins
Third Committee Member Affiliation
HSU Faculty or Staff
Subject Categories
Kinesiology
Abstract
The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the effects of a peer-assisted, self-selected physical activity program on depression and anxiety in students at a four-year university, and to explore the various possible mechanisms by which depression and anxiety were affected. These mechanisms included physical activity, self-efficacy, relatedness, competence, and autonomy. A secondary purpose was to examine the benefits of participation for the physical activity buddies who provided the peer-support. In-depth interviews were conducted with three program participants with depression and/or anxiety, six physical activity buddies who supported the participants, and three referring professional healthcare providers. A qualitative data analysis was completed using the professional analysis software Atlas.ti to find and weigh the importance of both deductive and inductive themes that emerged from the transcripts. Results showed that participation in a peer-assisted physical activity program provided significant benefits for the participants with depression and/or anxiety, as well as the physical activity buddies who supported them, and the overburdened campus healthcare centers. Participants with depression and/or anxiety experienced a reduction in those symptoms while also gaining an increase in self-efficacy and competence. The mechanism found to be primarily responsible for the changes was the combination of physical activity and relatedness. Other mechanisms of benefit included self-efficacy and competence, routine, nature, and other lifestyle changes. The results from this study illuminate a cost-effective way to address rising depression and anxiety rates in college students.
Citation Style
APA
Recommended Citation
Stroud, Crystal, "Effects of a peer-assisted physical activity program on depression and anxiety in college students" (2018). Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects. 119.
https://digitalcommons.humboldt.edu/etd/119