Key result
Engaging in physical activity each week was associated with a reduced risk of hopelessness, depression, and suicidal behavior among college students compared with inactive counterparts.
Why the study?
Does physical activity reduce the risk of hopelessness, depression, and suicidal behavior in college students?
Cross-Sectional (n=43,499)
Yes
Does physical activity reduce the risk of hopelessness, depression, and suicidal behavior in college students?
Physical activity, particularly aerobic exercise, is associated with a reduced risk of hopelessness, depression, and suicidal behavior among college students.
Should not change practice; hypothesis-generating association requires prospective trials to assess causality in students.
OBJECTIVE: The authors explored associations among types of physical activity and hopelessness, depression, and suicidal behavior among college students. PARTICIPANTS: Participants included 43,499 college students aged 18 to 25 who completed the 2005 National College Health Assessment conducted by the American College Health Association. METHODS: The authors used logistic regression modeling to compare the odds of experiencing hopelessness, depression, and suicidal behavior in students who engaged in various levels of aerobic and strength or toning activity with students who did not perform these activities. RESULTS: Men and women who engaged in some physical activity each week demonstrated a reduced risk of hopelessness, depression, and suicidal behavior compared with their inactive counterparts. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides empirical evidence that establishes the association between physical activity, especially aerobic activity, and reduced risk of hopelessness, depression, and suicidal behavior among college students.
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Taliaferro et al. (2008) conducted a cross-sectional in Hopelessness, depression, and suicidal behavior (n=43,499). Physical activity (aerobic and strength or toning) vs. No physical activity was evaluated on Hopelessness, depression, and suicidal behavior. Engaging in physical activity each week was associated with a reduced risk of hopelessness, depression, and suicidal behavior among college students compared with inactive counterparts.
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