Physical Activity Involvement and Mental Health of Middle School Students

Abstract

To promote the mental health of middle school students through physical activity involvement and to provide scientific physical activity recommendations for middle school students with different states of emotional well-being, interpersonal relationships, coping skills, self-esteem, and body image. Using literature review, questionnaire surveys, and statistical analysis, the study analyzed the types, duration, and intensity of physical activities participated in by middle school students, as well as their mental health status across five psychological factors. Middle school students' involvement in physical activities is moderate but slightly below average. Students mainly engaged in school-organized physical activities; higher grade level, older age, and being male are risk factors for physical activity involvement among middle school students. Overall, middle school students had a high level of mental health, with interpersonal relationships reaching a high level of health and even the lowest-scored body image reaching a healthy level. There were a highly correlation between the types, duration and involvement of physical activities with their mental health among middle school students. The physical and mental health of middle school students should be promoted by increasing their types, duration, and participation in physical activities.