The influence of
physical activity and
optimism on the level
of depression
amongst students
GGZ2028, Research in Psychopathology
Key words: depression,
physical activity, optimism,
depressive disorder, student
Words: 2434
,Abstract
Depression is a widespread mental health issue that significantly impacts university students,
contributing to increased demand for mental health services. This study explored the
influence of physical activity and optimism on depression levels among students at
Maastricht University. The primary aim was to determine if higher levels of physical activity
and optimism were associated with lower depression scores, and whether their combination
offered further protective benefits. 155 participants completed a survey measuring
depression, optimism, and physical activity. The results revealed a significant negative
relationship between optimism and depression, suggesting that higher optimism was linked
to lower depression levels. However, no significant associations were found between
physical activity and depression, or between physical activity and optimism and their
combined effect. These findings underscore the important role optimism can play in
protecting against depression. Fostering optimism may be a valuable approach for improving
mental health among students. Interventions such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or
positive psychology techniques could be effective in enhancing optimism, potentially reducing
depressive symptoms amongst students.
1
, Introduction
Depression is a common mental health disorder that has a significant impact on public health
worldwide. In the Netherlands, an estimated 8.5% of adults between the ages of 18 and 75
have experienced a depressive disorder in the past 12 months (Volksgezondheidenzorg.info,
n.d.). The Trimbos Institute reports that approximately one-quarter of Dutch adults
experience depression at some point in their lives (Trimbos-instituut, n.d.).
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is recognized as one of the leading causes of
disability globally, with a large increase in the number of individuals affected in recent
decades. The DSM-V diagnostic criteria for MDD are presented in appendix 1. Notably, the
number of new MDD cases increased by 59% between 1990 and 2019, rising from 172.7
million to 274.8 million cases (Yan et al., 2024).
Depression is also one of the most common mental disorders among college students
(Auerbach et al., 2016, 2018; Farabaugh et al., 2012, as cited in Ebert et al., 2018). This is
associated with multiple factors, such as poor social support, academic stress, financial
problems and lifestyle factors (Li et al., 2022).
The increasing prevalence of mental health problems has placed significant pressure
on mental healthcare services, resulting in long waiting lists for individuals seeking support
(Van Den Broek et al., 2022). As the number of people experiencing mental health issues
continues to grow, these waiting lists are likely to expand even further. This, combined with
the high prevalence and impact of MDD, emphasizes the urgent need to identify protective
factors that can help reduce the risk of developing depression, ultimately decreasing the
demand for mental health services and improving overall well-being (Mammen & Faulkner,
2013).
One protective factor that has gained attention is physical activity. Research shows
that higher levels of sedentary behaviour are associated with a higher prevalence of
depression (Stubbs et al., 2018). Engaging in regular physical activity can significantly
improve mental well-being. Physical activity reduces depression through multiple biological
2
physical activity and
optimism on the level
of depression
amongst students
GGZ2028, Research in Psychopathology
Key words: depression,
physical activity, optimism,
depressive disorder, student
Words: 2434
,Abstract
Depression is a widespread mental health issue that significantly impacts university students,
contributing to increased demand for mental health services. This study explored the
influence of physical activity and optimism on depression levels among students at
Maastricht University. The primary aim was to determine if higher levels of physical activity
and optimism were associated with lower depression scores, and whether their combination
offered further protective benefits. 155 participants completed a survey measuring
depression, optimism, and physical activity. The results revealed a significant negative
relationship between optimism and depression, suggesting that higher optimism was linked
to lower depression levels. However, no significant associations were found between
physical activity and depression, or between physical activity and optimism and their
combined effect. These findings underscore the important role optimism can play in
protecting against depression. Fostering optimism may be a valuable approach for improving
mental health among students. Interventions such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or
positive psychology techniques could be effective in enhancing optimism, potentially reducing
depressive symptoms amongst students.
1
, Introduction
Depression is a common mental health disorder that has a significant impact on public health
worldwide. In the Netherlands, an estimated 8.5% of adults between the ages of 18 and 75
have experienced a depressive disorder in the past 12 months (Volksgezondheidenzorg.info,
n.d.). The Trimbos Institute reports that approximately one-quarter of Dutch adults
experience depression at some point in their lives (Trimbos-instituut, n.d.).
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is recognized as one of the leading causes of
disability globally, with a large increase in the number of individuals affected in recent
decades. The DSM-V diagnostic criteria for MDD are presented in appendix 1. Notably, the
number of new MDD cases increased by 59% between 1990 and 2019, rising from 172.7
million to 274.8 million cases (Yan et al., 2024).
Depression is also one of the most common mental disorders among college students
(Auerbach et al., 2016, 2018; Farabaugh et al., 2012, as cited in Ebert et al., 2018). This is
associated with multiple factors, such as poor social support, academic stress, financial
problems and lifestyle factors (Li et al., 2022).
The increasing prevalence of mental health problems has placed significant pressure
on mental healthcare services, resulting in long waiting lists for individuals seeking support
(Van Den Broek et al., 2022). As the number of people experiencing mental health issues
continues to grow, these waiting lists are likely to expand even further. This, combined with
the high prevalence and impact of MDD, emphasizes the urgent need to identify protective
factors that can help reduce the risk of developing depression, ultimately decreasing the
demand for mental health services and improving overall well-being (Mammen & Faulkner,
2013).
One protective factor that has gained attention is physical activity. Research shows
that higher levels of sedentary behaviour are associated with a higher prevalence of
depression (Stubbs et al., 2018). Engaging in regular physical activity can significantly
improve mental well-being. Physical activity reduces depression through multiple biological
2
