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Manuscript Format

Original Research

Time required for implementation of resource

N/A

Subdiscipline of Kinesiology

Exercise Physiology

Abstract

Transitional phases of life (i.e., the passage from high school to college) can promote heightened stress levels resulting in physical and mental challenges. College students are at an elevated risk for common mental health disorders with 20-45% of all college students being impacted within a given year. This may be, in part, due to their exposure to a multitude of new stressors related to academics, social challenges, personal concerns, and economic issues. Therefore, the purpose of this qualitative study was to examine exercise habits and stress management strategies among incoming freshmen in an exercise physiology program. The overall goal of this work was to identify potential programmatic strategies to support students in reducing stress, improving physical activity patterns, and reducing the incidence of mental health disorders. First-time, full-time freshmen (N = 266) majoring in exercise physiology completed a 200-word self-reflection activity responding to prompts on exercise and stress. A retrospective review of responses was thematically analyzed using standard qualitative analysis techniques. Three primary findings related to exercise habits and stress management strategies emerged: reduction of physical activity, engagement in high school sports, and talking with friends and family. Overall, the findings of this study confirm there is a high level of readiness at the start of college, but a decline in physical activity over the first semester. Recommendations moving forward are to explore options for first term interventions and education that incorporate both physical and social components while incorporating sport (i.e., integrating physical activity programs into first-year courses).

Corresponding Author

Lori Sherlock

lsherlock@hsc.wvu.edu

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