First Advisor

Erin Choice, Ph.D.

Second Advisor

Kaylyn Star, Ph.D.

Third Advisor

Rebecca Betjemann

Thesis Committee Member(s)

Amy Schreier, Ph.D.

College

Regis College

Degree Name

BAS

School

Regis University Honors College

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

Number of Pages

66 pages

Abstract

Anxiety and depression are the most common mood disorders globally. Inaccessibility to clinical mental health interventions may lead individuals to seek alternative methods of symptom management. Exercise is one commonly recommended and well-researched symptom reduction method. However, resistance training, a specific type of exercise, is considerably less researched. This thesis aims to: 1) meta-analyze data on the effectiveness of resistance training on anxiety and depression symptom reduction in young people, 2) survey students in health and psychology-focused fields about their knowledge and perceptions of exercise as a symptom management tool for anxiety and depression, and 3) propose future research on the topic of exercise adherence in anxious individuals. The meta-analysis indicated resistance training had a positive effect on anxiety and depression symptom reduction in young people. Survey respondents demonstrated high levels of knowledge but reported low confidence in the recommendation of resistance training to anxious or depressed individuals, with strong concerns about exercise adherence. Social connectedness may act as a buffer for the effects of anxiety on exercise adherence. Thus, future research should examine and target feelings of social connectedness in anxious individuals to improve exercise adherence and make resistance training for symptom reduction more feasible. Ultimately, resistance training is one of many modalities that can positively impact mental health, and future research should continue to explore such topics to ensure that mental well-being is a possibility for everyone.

Date of Award

Winter 2024

Location (Creation)

Denver, Colo.

Rights Statement

All content in this Collection is owned by and subject to the exclusive control of Regis University and the authors of the materials. It is available only for research purposes and may not be used in violation of copyright laws or for unlawful purposes. The materials may not be downloaded in whole or in part without permission of the copyright holder or as otherwise authorized in the “fair use” standards of the U.S. copyright laws and regulations.

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