Presenter(s)
Brianna Ryan
Abstract
Purpose - The purpose of this project is to highlight the effects physical activity has on children's mental health and to provide evidence-based insights on ways physical activity can and should be incorporated into the developmental stages of children's lives. Ultimately, the goal being to promote healthier and improved mental health statuses for the younger populations.
Introduction - The mental health crises among children are on the rise as more children each year are diagnosed with mental health conditions. It has been found that around 20% of children ages five through seventeen regularly experience symptoms of mental health disorders and this number continues to increase each year (Crichton et al., 2024). Due to the severity of the mental health crises in this population, it is important to look at alternative factors for treatment and interventions of these problems, which is where physical activity comes into play. Physical activity is an alternative, low-cost intervention for those who may be experiencing mental health problems and has been found to play a role in decreasing mental health symptoms (Andermo et al., 2020; Belcher et al., 2021; Crichton et al., 2024; Dale et al., 2019; Laurier et al., 2021; Li et al., 2023; McCann et al., 2022; Murthy, 2023; Pascoe et al., 2020). Educational and intervention programs to help promote physical activity may be effective in battling the mental health crises in children.
Results - During this review of literature, multiple studies were found supporting the importance of physical activity interventions in reducing mental health disorders in children. Murthy (2023) highlighted the significance of physical activity in reducing depression, anxiety, and stress, while also improving cognition and the ability to control emotions, supporting important developmental stages of children. Li et al. (2023) reported how lower levels of physical activity correlate closely with higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress among the youth population; whereas higher levels of physical activity correlate closely with more positive outcomes like increased self-esteem, self-concept and resiliency (p.2). In a review completed by Pascoe et al. (2020), it was found that three studies assessing moderate-vigorous activity levels led to decreased depressive symptoms. Through various research studies examined in this project, physical activity showed to be a beneficial intervention regarding the increase in mental health disorders and crises in children.
Conclusion - Overall, this project emphasizes the significant role physical activity has in reducing the effect of mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and stress in children. Understanding the value of physical activity and incorporating corresponding interventions through caregiver education, school and community-based programs, and family involvement are essential as effective alternative treatment options.
College
College of Science & Engineering
Department
Nursing - Undergraduate
Campus
Winona
First Advisor/Mentor
Autumn Cole
Second Advisor/Mentor
Megan Anibas
Start Date
4-24-2025 9:00 AM
End Date
4-24-2025 10:00 AM
Presentation Type
Poster Session
Format of Presentation or Performance
In-Person
Session
1a=9am-10am
Poster Number
9
Included in
Pediatric Nursing Commons, Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing Commons, Psychology Commons
The Impact of Physical Activity on Mental Health Disorders in Children
Purpose - The purpose of this project is to highlight the effects physical activity has on children's mental health and to provide evidence-based insights on ways physical activity can and should be incorporated into the developmental stages of children's lives. Ultimately, the goal being to promote healthier and improved mental health statuses for the younger populations.
Introduction - The mental health crises among children are on the rise as more children each year are diagnosed with mental health conditions. It has been found that around 20% of children ages five through seventeen regularly experience symptoms of mental health disorders and this number continues to increase each year (Crichton et al., 2024). Due to the severity of the mental health crises in this population, it is important to look at alternative factors for treatment and interventions of these problems, which is where physical activity comes into play. Physical activity is an alternative, low-cost intervention for those who may be experiencing mental health problems and has been found to play a role in decreasing mental health symptoms (Andermo et al., 2020; Belcher et al., 2021; Crichton et al., 2024; Dale et al., 2019; Laurier et al., 2021; Li et al., 2023; McCann et al., 2022; Murthy, 2023; Pascoe et al., 2020). Educational and intervention programs to help promote physical activity may be effective in battling the mental health crises in children.
Results - During this review of literature, multiple studies were found supporting the importance of physical activity interventions in reducing mental health disorders in children. Murthy (2023) highlighted the significance of physical activity in reducing depression, anxiety, and stress, while also improving cognition and the ability to control emotions, supporting important developmental stages of children. Li et al. (2023) reported how lower levels of physical activity correlate closely with higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress among the youth population; whereas higher levels of physical activity correlate closely with more positive outcomes like increased self-esteem, self-concept and resiliency (p.2). In a review completed by Pascoe et al. (2020), it was found that three studies assessing moderate-vigorous activity levels led to decreased depressive symptoms. Through various research studies examined in this project, physical activity showed to be a beneficial intervention regarding the increase in mental health disorders and crises in children.
Conclusion - Overall, this project emphasizes the significant role physical activity has in reducing the effect of mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and stress in children. Understanding the value of physical activity and incorporating corresponding interventions through caregiver education, school and community-based programs, and family involvement are essential as effective alternative treatment options.
