Research Proposal:

The Effect of Exercise on Stress Reduction Among University Students

Introduction::
University students often experience significant stress due to the demands of academic
coursework, social obligations, and personal challenges. This stress can lead to negative
mental health outcomes such as anxiety, depression, and decreased academic performance.
While the general population has shown that exercise can alleviate stress and improve mood,
there is limited research on how exercise specifically impacts stress reduction in university
students. This study aims to address this gap by investigating the effects of regular physical
activity, particularly aerobic exercise, on perceived stress levels and overall mental wellbeing
among university students. Given the growing concern over mental health in academic
settings, understanding whether physical exercise can be a viable solution to reducing stress
in students is crucial. The results of this study may help universities implement effective
wellness strategies that incorporate physical activity to support students' mental health.

Two hypotheses will guide the investigation of this research. The first hypothesis (H1) posits
that university students who engage in regular aerobic exercise will experience a significant
reduction in perceived stress levels compared to students who do not participate in any
structured exercise. The second hypothesis (H2) suggests that university students who
participate in a 4-week aerobic exercise intervention will report improvements in overall
mental well-being due to reduced stress levels. By testing these hypotheses, the study will
determine whether exercise can play a role in alleviating stress and promoting better mental
health among students

Methodology:

A pre-test post-test experimental design will be used, involving two

groups: an exercise group and a control group. This design is ideal for
assessing the cause-and-effect relationship between exercise and stress
reduction by comparing changes in stress levels before and after the
intervention. The exercise group will engage in 30 minutes of
moderateintensity aerobic exercise, such as jogging or cycling, three times per
week for four weeks. In contrast, the control group will refrain from any
physical activity or exercise during the study period. This setup allows
researchers to isolate the effects of exercise on stress reduction by comparing
stress levels in both groups after the intervention.

Research Design:
The objective of this study is to assess the impact of regular exercise on stress
reduction in university students using a quantitative, experimental approach.

A total of 100 students, aged 18 to 25, will be randomly selected from different
academic departments, ensuring equal representation of both genders.
Participants will be randomly assigned to either the experimental group,
which will undergo a 6-week exercise program consisting of 30-minute
moderate-intensity aerobic exercises three times a week, or the control group,
which will not participate in any structured exercise. Stress levels will be
measured using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) before and after the
intervention. Data will be analyzed through descriptive statistics, paired ttests
to compare pre- and post-intervention stress levels, and ANOVA to examine
demographic differences in stress reduction. Ethical considerations, including
informed consent and participant confidentiality, will be rigorously followed,
with participants retaining the right to withdraw at any time without penalty.

Sample:
The sample for this study will consist of 60 university students, aged 18-25, recruited from a
university campus. Students will be randomly assigned to either the exercise group or the
control group to avoid any bias in group composition. To ensure a diverse sample that
represents the general student population, participants from various academic disciplines will
be included in the study. The inclusion criteria for participants will be that they are healthy,
physically capable of engaging in moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, and have no
preexisting conditions that would prevent them from participating. Students who engage in
regular physical exercise (defined as at least three times per week) will be excluded from the
study to avoid confounding variables, as their stress levels may already be influenced by
regular physical activity

Measures:
The primary measure used to assess stress in this study will be the Perceived Stress Scale
(PSS), a widely used tool that assesses the degree to which situations in one’s life are
appraised as stressful. Participants will complete the PSS at the beginning of the study
(preintervention) and at the end of the 4-week period (post-intervention). This will allow for a
comparison of their perceived stress levels before and after the intervention. Additionally,
participants will complete a Mental Well-Being Scale, which will assess broader indicators
of mental health and well-being, such as emotional resilience, mood, and life satisfaction.
These measures will provide a comprehensive view of how exercise may influence not only
stress levels but also overall mental health.

Procedure:

The research will involve a sample of 60 university students who meet specific
inclusion criteria. Once recruited, participants will be randomly assigned to
either the exercise or control group. Prior to the start of the intervention, all
participants will complete the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and the Mental
Well-Being Scale to establish baseline measures of stress and mental
wellbeing. The exercise group will participate in 30 minutes of moderate-
intensity aerobic exercise (such as jogging or cycling) three times a week for
four weeks, while the control group will refrain from engaging in any
structured physical activity during the same time frame. Following the 4-week
intervention, both groups will complete the PSS and Mental Well-Being Scale
again. The collected data will be analyzed to assess whether there are
significant differences in stress levels and mental well-being between the two
groups.

Ethical Considerations:
The study will adhere to strict ethical guidelines to ensure the well-being and rights of all
participants. Informed consent will be obtained from all participants before the study begins.
Participants will be fully informed about the purpose of the research, the procedures
involved, and any potential risks associated with participation. They will also be informed
that participation is entirely voluntary, and they may withdraw from the study at any time
without any consequences. To maintain confidentiality, all personal data will be anonymized,
and participants’ identities will not be revealed in any published reports. Furthermore, the
study will ensure the safety of all participants by screening them for any health conditions
that may preclude them from engaging in moderate-intensity aerobic exercise. If any
participant reports discomfort or injury during the intervention, they will be provided with
appropriate care and support.

Limitations and Recommendations:

One limitation of this study is the relatively small sample size of 60 participants, which may
limit the ability to generalize the findings to a broader population. A larger and more diverse
sample would provide more robust results that could be applicable to a wider range of
university students. Additionally, the study’s short duration of four weeks may not be long
enough to capture the long-term effects of exercise on stress reduction. Future research
should consider extending the intervention period to 8-12 weeks to assess the sustainability of
stress reduction through exercise. Another limitation is the reliance on self-report measures,
such as the PSS and Mental Well-Being Scale, which are subjective and may be influenced by
participants' mood or personal bias. Future studies could incorporate objective measures, such
as cortisol levels or heart rate variability, to provide a more comprehensive assessment of
stress. Despite these limitations, the findings of this study may provide valuable insights into
the potential benefits of exercise for university students' mental health.

Implications:

Regular exercise could significantly reduce stress among university students,

leading to important implications for campus wellness programs. If proven
effective, universities may integrate exercise into mental health initiatives,
offering a proactive approach to stress management. This could also
encourage counselors to include physical activity in their strategies for student
well-being. Ultimately, the findings could influence higher education policies,
promoting healthier and more supportive environments for students.

Conclusion:

The goal of this study is to explore the potential impact of regular aerobic
exercise on stress reduction and mental well-being among university students.
If the hypotheses are supported, the results could have important implications
for university wellness programs, indicating that exercise might be an effective
strategy for managing stress. Universities could consider expanding access to
physical activity options, such as offering free exercise classes or wellness
initiatives, to help students navigate the pressures of academic life. By
integrating exercise into students' daily routines, institutions could enhance
overall student health, resilience, and mental well-being, fostering better
stress management and improved quality of life.