Document Type

Thesis

Date of Degree Completion

Spring 2014

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Mental Health Counseling

Committee Chair

Susan Lonborg

Second Committee Member

Kara Gabriel

Third Committee Member

Terrence Schwartz

Abstract

The differences in levels of mindfulness and indicators of mental health were examined between groups of individuals currently engaging in various types of exercise. Eighty-two undergraduate and graduate-level college students completed an online survey regarding their past and current exercise habits and their levels of mindfulness, stress, anxiety, and affect. Four exercise groups, matched on age and gender, were created based on the types of exercise that participants reported currently engaging in: (a) yoga plus any other type of exercise; (b) aerobic exercise only; ( c) more than one type of exercise; ( d) no current activity. The results showed that the yoga exercise group had significantly lower levels of perceived stress than all other exercise groups. The yoga exercise group also demonstrated significantly higher levels on the mindfulness facet non-reactivity to inner than the no exercise group. Implications for exercise-based interventions to improve college student mental health are discussed.

Comments

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