Milken Institute School of Public Health Poster Presentations (Marvin Center & Video)
Poster Number
108
Document Type
Poster
Status
Graduate Student - Masters
Abstract Category
Prevention and Community Health
Keywords
physical activity, stress, stress management, young adults
Publication Date
Spring 2018
Abstract
Background: Physical activity and stress are common factors that affect the health and wellness of young adults worldwide. Higher levels of stress in students can lead to increased blood pressure and decreased immune system defenses. Previous studies have found that students who report more physical activity also report lower levels of stress. Perceived stress is subjective, however, and therefore the amount of physical activity that affects stress levels could vary. Additionally, extensive research has yet to be conducted on the different coping mechanisms that physically active students use to relieve stress. These mechanisms may include physical activity as a stress reliever, as well as more passive methods, such as sleeping, eating unhealthy foods, and watching television. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between physical activity, stress levels, and active and passive stress management mechanisms. Through this research we will first examine how stress levels among young adults who are overweight and obese compare to a normative sample. The primary research question we hope to answer is whether young adults ages 18-35 years who are more physically active cope with stress using active mechanisms more than those who are less physically active? Two supplemental questions to follow include: (1) Do physically active undergraduate students manage stress differently than physically active graduate students, and (2) Do physically active males manage stress differently than physically active females? Methods: Data analysis will be conducted using baseline measurements collected for the Healthy Body Healthy U Study. Data from Actigraphs, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, the Perceived Stress Scale, and the Stress Management questionnaire, as well as demographic data will be included.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Open Access
1
Included in
Active and Passive Stress Management Mechanisms in Physically Active Young Adults
Background: Physical activity and stress are common factors that affect the health and wellness of young adults worldwide. Higher levels of stress in students can lead to increased blood pressure and decreased immune system defenses. Previous studies have found that students who report more physical activity also report lower levels of stress. Perceived stress is subjective, however, and therefore the amount of physical activity that affects stress levels could vary. Additionally, extensive research has yet to be conducted on the different coping mechanisms that physically active students use to relieve stress. These mechanisms may include physical activity as a stress reliever, as well as more passive methods, such as sleeping, eating unhealthy foods, and watching television. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between physical activity, stress levels, and active and passive stress management mechanisms. Through this research we will first examine how stress levels among young adults who are overweight and obese compare to a normative sample. The primary research question we hope to answer is whether young adults ages 18-35 years who are more physically active cope with stress using active mechanisms more than those who are less physically active? Two supplemental questions to follow include: (1) Do physically active undergraduate students manage stress differently than physically active graduate students, and (2) Do physically active males manage stress differently than physically active females? Methods: Data analysis will be conducted using baseline measurements collected for the Healthy Body Healthy U Study. Data from Actigraphs, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, the Perceived Stress Scale, and the Stress Management questionnaire, as well as demographic data will be included.
Comments
Presented at GW Annual Research Days 2018.