Graduate Research Papers

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Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Abstract

The primary purpose of this research study was to analyze the effect of physical activity on the mental health of adults aged 18-80. Existing research has found a significant relationship between physical activity and mental health in adulthood. The current study utilizes secondary data from the 2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). The target population for the BRFSS study consists of noninstitutionalized adults (aged 18 and older) currently living in the United States. Using SPSS, the current study conducted univariate data analysis and bivariate data analysis. This study investigates various factors including the number of poor mental health days, depressive disorder diagnosis, frequency of physical activity, and age, racial, and gender demographics. This research found that there is a relation between age, physical activity, and lower levels of mental health. Results indicated a statistically significant difference in the level of poor mental health between the male and female respondents. The results of this study imply that adults who engage in physical activity are less likely to have poorer mental health. Similarly, female’s physical activity was higher than the males resulting in less poor mental health observed.

Year of Submission

2024

Department

Department of Social Work

First Advisor

Sei-Young Lee

Date Original

5-10-2024

Object Description

1 PDF (23 pages)

Language

en

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