ABSTRACT

In the era of globalization and the push for a community with a shared future for humanity, health issues have become a critical concern for governments, societies, and individuals alike. Thus, this study investigated the relationship between the extent of engagement in physical exercise and the level of mental health of students at Zhejiang Shuren University. Moreover, the study addressed the problems and challenges faced by students in engaging in physical exercise serving as baseline data in coming up with a plan of action. In addition, a mixed research approach was adopted, combining both quantitative and qualitative methods to provide a comprehensive analysis of the issue. The participants in this study were freshmen students from the 2024 cohort and sophomores from the 2023 cohort at Zhejiang Shuren University using total enumeration method. It was found that the students have moderate engagement in physical exercise, in terms of frequency, duration, and intensity. In addition, the students’ high level of mental health—measured through self-acceptance, positive relationships, autonomy, purpose in life, and environmental mastery implies that students generally have a strong sense of self-worth, maintain healthy interpersonal relationships, and demonstrate independence in their decision-making. It was also found that there is a negative correlation between the students’ extent of engagement in physical exercise and their level of mental health which implies that as students’ engagement in physical exercise increases, their level of mental health tends to improve. From the results, practical intervention strategies are outlined to help students achieve comprehensive physical and mental well-being through exercise. By integrating physical activity into daily routines and institutional policies, universities can create a supportive environment that fosters both academic success and psychological resilience. In doing so, students will be better equipped to navigate challenges, maintain a balanced lifestyle, and achieve long-term well-being.

Keywords: Physical exercise, mental health, Zhejiang Shuren University
https://doi.org/10.57180/wrfk4638