Special Issues

Enhancing Mental Health through Physical Activity: Exploring Resilience Across Populations and Life Stages

Submission Deadline: 25 May 2025 View: 590 Submit to Special Issue

Guest Editors

Prof. Wi-Young So, Department of Sports Medicine, College of Humanities, Korea National University of Transportation, Republic of Korea

Prof. Hyunkyun Ahn, Department of Sports & Leisure Studies, Division of Arts & Health Care, Myongji College, Republic of Korea

Prof. Suyoung Hwang, Research Institute of Exercise, Rehabilitation & Convergence, Gachon University, Republic of Korea


Summary

As the editor of the upcoming special issue on "Enhancing Mental Health through Physical Activity: Exploring Resilience Across Populations and Life Stages" in the International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, I am excited to invite submissions that explore the nuanced role of physical activity in bolstering psychological resilience and mental health across different populations and environments. This focused issue will delve into how physical activity specifically fosters resilience against mental health challenges, such as stress, anxiety, and depression, across various demographic settings and life stages from childhood to old age.

 

Emerging research underscores the importance of the early years in forming sustainable health habits, with regular physical activity not only bolstering the body’s defense against physical ailments but also significantly improving mental wellness. This includes enhancements in mood, cognitive function, and psychological resilience. Conversely, the trend toward increased sedentarism, particularly among younger demographics due to excessive screen time and social media interaction, prompts a reevaluation of its effects on both physical and mental health spheres. For instance, robust evidence indicates that ongoing physical activity during adolescence is crucial for maintaining and enhancing mental health.

 

In the realm of elite sports, athletes derive immense psychological benefits from exercises integrated with mental conditioning strategies. These strategies, including mindfulness and focused training, enable athletes to achieve peak performance enhancements and manage competition-induced stress effectively. This integration of physical and psychological well-being serves to underscore the holistic benefits of physical activity, reinforcing the need to understand its broader implications on mental health.


Keywords

• Psychological Resilience
• Mental Health Across Lifespans
• Physical Activity Impacts
• Sedentary Lifestyle Effects
• Elite Athletic Mental Training
• Mental Health Interventions
• Public Health Strategies

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