Mental Health and Exercise: University Students’ Insight into the UWorkItOut UWin Program

ABSTRACT

The current study aimed to qualitatively explore participants’ perceived effectiveness of the UWorkItOut UWin program (a six-week exercise and counseling intervention) as well as the perceived outcomes. Previous research has found the UWorkItOut UWin program to be effective at decreasing psychological distress in university students. Exit interviews from program participants (N = 58) were analyzed using a thematic analysis. Various influencing factors (e.g., qualified personnel, client centered approach, and program structure) that positively contributed to the various program outcomes were noted. These outcomes were organized into four main themes: 1) physical outcomes, 2) psychological outcomes, 3) cognitive outcomes, and 4) coping skills. Overall, the UWorkItOut UWin program was perceived to be an effective intervention to improve participant mental health and wellbeing.

KEYWORDS:

• Qualitative research
• exercise intervention
• post-secondary students
• exercise counseling

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This research was funded in part by the University of Windsor.