IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/bfy/ojejhs/v10y2024i4p15-26id2188.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Impact of Physical Activity on Mental Health among Adolescents in Ghana

Author

Listed:
  • Efuo Osei

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the impact of physical activity on mental health among adolescents in Ghana. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Engaging in regular physical activity has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, improve mood, and enhance overall emotional well-being in this age group. Physical activity stimulates the release of endorphins and other neurotransmitters that foster feelings of happiness and relaxation, contributing to improved mental health. Studies highlight that adolescents who participate in sports or regular exercise report lower levels of stress and better stress management skills compared to their sedentary peers. Additionally, physical activity has been linked to enhanced cognitive function, including better concentration, memory, and academic performance. This cognitive boost further supports mental health by reducing academic-related stress and anxiety. Moreover, physical activity provides adolescents with opportunities for social interaction, which is crucial for their social and emotional development. Engaging in team sports or group exercises helps build friendships, fosters a sense of belonging, and improves self-esteem. These social benefits are particularly important during adolescence, a period marked by significant social and emotional changes. However, the impact of physical activity on mental health can vary depending on the type, intensity, and duration of the activity, as well as individual preferences and circumstances. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Self-determination theory (SDT), social cognitive theory and biopsychosocial model may be used to anchor future studies on assessing the impact of physical activity on mental health among adolescents in Ghana. Practitioners should adopt tailored intervention strategies that address the unique needs, preferences, and contexts of adolescents to maximize the impact of physical activity on mental health. Policymakers play a pivotal role in promoting the integration of physical activity into education systems by advocating for robust policies that prioritize physical education, extracurricular sports, and active transportation options.

Suggested Citation

  • Efuo Osei, 2024. "Impact of Physical Activity on Mental Health among Adolescents in Ghana," European Journal of Health Sciences, AJPO Journals Limited, vol. 10(4), pages 15-26.
  • Handle: RePEc:bfy:ojejhs:v:10:y:2024:i:4:p:15-26:id:2188
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://ajpojournals.org/journals/index.php/EJHS/article/view/2188/2762
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:bfy:ojejhs:v:10:y:2024:i:4:p:15-26:id:2188. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    We have no bibliographic references for this item. You can help adding them by using this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Chief Editor (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://ajpojournals.org/journals/index.php/EJHS/ .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.