Disclaimer: This article is based on select portions of my doctoral dissertation. Full findings and methodology can be found here.
At Wilkes University, I noticed a troubling trend: college students face increasing productivity demands while their quality of life declines, worsening mental health issues.
This is especially true at community colleges, where students face unique challenges and have fewer mental health resources than their peers at four-year institutions.
My research suggests physical activity could help address these mental health challenges.
My dissertation explored how community college students’ physical activities might impact their mental well-being, using emotional intelligence theory and a qualitative case study approach.
Table of Contents
Growing Mental Health Crisis
My research highlights a troubling mental health scenario in higher education. Currently, 73% of college students face a mental health crisis, with half screening positive for depression, anxiety, or both. Alarmingly, 89% report COVID-19 has increased stress or anxiety.
Faculty see this crisis directly. My research found 87.1% of instructors believe student mental health worsened during the pandemic, and 73% seek more training to support student mental health.
Colleges Face Unique Challenges
Community colleges face intensified mental health issues. Students here experience more severe psychological problems and have fewer resources compared to those at four-year schools.
Key reasons include:
- Open enrollment policies: Attract more at-risk students and those with existing mental health conditions.
- Additional hardships: Students juggle more challenges, including work and financial pressures, than traditional students.
- Resource limitations: Community college advisors manage 441 students each, compared to 296 at other colleges.
- Funding gaps: A $78 billion funding gap exists between four-year institutions and community colleges, with community colleges receiving $8,800 less per student annually.
Sedentary Lifestyle Problem
Research shows a troubling pattern: despite evidence that physical activity boosts community college students’ mental health and well-being, 40-50% remain inactive. This is concerning given the American Heart Association’s recommendation of at least 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity weekly.
A striking disconnect exists: 65% of students believe they’re active, yet only 20% meet activity benchmarks, highlighting a need for education on adequate physical activity.
The Impact of Modern Life
Several factors increase sedentary behavior among students:
- Technology use: More screen time keeps students inactive.
- COVID-19 pandemic: Reduced physical activity levels.
- Academic pressure: Heavy course loads overwhelm schedules.
Physical Activity and Mental Health
Here’s how physical activity connects with mental health.
Research-Based Evidence
Literature reveals physical activity as a powerful mental health intervention. Benefits extend beyond physical health:
Physical Benefits:
- Improved cardiovascular health
- Better weight management
- Enhanced fitness
Mental Health Benefits:
- Reduced depression and anxiety
- Better stress management
- Enhanced emotional regulation
- Improved sleep quality
Academic Benefits:
- Improved cognitive function
- Better academic performance
- Enhanced focus
Role of Emotional Intelligence
Research draws on emotional intelligence, which includes:
- Self-awareness: Recognizing emotions, strengths, and weaknesses.
- Self-management: Emotional control, goal-setting, and adaptability.
- Social awareness: Empathy and organizational awareness.
- Relationship management: Leadership, conflict resolution, and collaboration.
This framework guided interview questions and data analysis to understand how physical activity impacts emotional intelligence.
Findings from My Research
Qualitative case study methodology revealed.
Improving Mental Health
My research shows physical activity significantly boosts community college students’ mental health, enhancing stress management, reducing anxiety, and improving mood.
Group and Outdoor
Group and outdoor activities offer added benefits through social connections and natural settings, surpassing individual exercise.
Play a Crucial Role
Community colleges are vital for student physical activity, influencing policy and resource allocation.
Community College Policy and Practice
How it can affect community college policy and practices.
The Economic Argument
Community colleges face low graduation rates, with fewer than 40% finishing in 6 years, leading to revenue loss. Since physical activity boosts academic success and mental health, promoting it could improve retention and graduation rates.
Resource Allocation
Despite evidence to prioritize mental health, community colleges face underfunding, often serving students needing the most support with limited resources.
Student Support Services
Significant gaps exist in student support, with 62.3% of over 185,000 surveyed students receiving “very little” to “some” support for non-academic responsibilities, and 57.1% for social thriving.
Future Research and Practice
What I’d recommend.
Research Recommendations
- Explore barriers to student physical activity.
- Investigate impacts of different activity types on mental health.
- Examine long-term effects of physical activity on academic success.
- Study cost-effectiveness of physical activity as mental health interventions.
Practice Recommendations
- Develop comprehensive programs blending group and outdoor activities.
- Train staff to identify mental health concerns and connect students with resources.
- Partner with local fitness centers and outdoor groups.
- Integrate physical activity into the academic schedule.
- Dedicating specific funding to student wellness programs.
The Broader Impact
Here are some of the wider implications.
Economic Implications
Mental health issues, sedentary lifestyles, and low graduation rates among community college students drag down the American economy. Employers need the skilled workforce these graduates provide, but students’ inactivity and mental health problems undermine this potential.
Social Implications
Social stakes are high too. Students in mental health crises may engage in risky behaviors, sometimes leading to violence on campuses. Physical activity can proactively address mental health, preventing such issues.
Conclusion
Research shows physical activity is a powerful, often overlooked solution to the mental health crisis in community colleges. It boosts mental health, with group and outdoor activities enhancing benefits.
Unlocking this potential requires shifts in how colleges approach student wellness, with proper funding and policies. Physical activity must be a cornerstone of student success.
The stakes are high—not just improving individual lives, but strengthening communities, cutting healthcare costs, and building a resilient workforce.
Simple solutions can tackle complex problems. Physical activity is one such solution. The question isn’t whether we can afford to invest in it—it’s whether we can afford to ignore it.
The path is clear. Community colleges must make physical activity central to student support. Policymakers must recognize the economic and social benefits of investing in student wellness. Researchers must continue building evidence for effective strategies.
The time for action is now. Our students, communities, and economy depend on it.
Disclaimer: This article summarizes insights from my doctoral dissertation at Wilkes University. For detailed findings and references, you can access it here.