The influence of exercise on depression and psychological well-being amongst students at the University of Limpopo (Turfloop Campus)

Abstract

Research using a cross-sectional survey design was conducted to determine the influence of exercise on the psychological well-being and reported rates of depression on a sample of regular exercisers and non-regular exercisers registered at the University of Limpopo (Turfloop campus). Two standardized questionnaires were used to collect data from a non-proportional quota sample of 60 (30 regular exercisers and 30 non-regular exercisers), male and female (30 females and 30 males) undergraduate students. Data were analyzed using the following statistical measures, descriptive statistics, using frequency tables and figures. The chi square test was used to find out if there were any significant relationships between the regular exercisers and non-regular exercisers and male and female participants in terms of depression and psychological well-being. Students who exercised regularly showed a positive psychological well-being while non-regular exercisers showed a more negative psychological well-being. There were no significant differences in reported feelings of depression across the male and female sample of regular and non-regular exercisers. Female regular and non-regular exercisers however, showed a more positive psychological well-being than males, this was a significant result (p=0.001).