Associations between physical activity and reduced rates of hopelessness, depression, and suicidal behavior among college students.
OBJECTIVE
The authors explored associations among types of physical activity and hopelessness, depression, and suicidal behavior among college students.


METHODS
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.
Taliaferro
Lindsay A
LA
Department of Health Education and Behavior, University of Florida, FLG-5 Stadium Road, Gainesville, FL 32611-8210, USA. ltaliafe@hhp.ufl.edu
Rienzo
Barbara A
BA
Pigg
R Morgan
RM
Miller
M David
MD
Dodd
Virginia J
VJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003863:Depression / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity; D055070:Resistance Training; D013334:Students; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D014495:Universities; D055815:Young Adult