Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
Region V
Division of Camarines
Sur
NABUA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
School ID 302001 | San Miguel, Nabua, Camarines Sur | (054)-288-3758

EFFECTS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY ON MENTAL HEALTH

AMONG GRADE 11 STEM STUDENTS AT NABUA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

Christian James Averilla

Larry Kyle Villanueva

Justin Villegas

Princess Kelly Llaneta

Princess Navida

Rosabel Ricafrente

Liezl Vegerano

Damaris Bernette Wang

Mrs. Jessica Maravilla - Bernales

Practical Research Adviser

April 2024
 Chapter 1

Background of the Study

The importance of youth mental health is a critical and often overlooked topic. There is a

concerning increase in mental health issues among students of all ages. Research by Alghadir in

2016 indicates that twenty percent of children experience severely debilitating mental health

issues during their lifetime, with 13 percent of children aged 8 to 13 facing mental health

challenges. This growing concern is supported by studies from Marsh (2016), Alghadir (2016),

Pascoe (2019), and Smith (2020), highlighting the unprecedented struggle students are facing.

Furthermore, mental health challenges can significantly impact students' functioning both

at school and at home. Encouraging physical activity among youth has been found to be

beneficial in alleviating mental health issues for struggling students (Lubans et al., 2016).

It is important to note that students who are not engaged in physical education are at a

higher risk of experiencing mental health issues. Strong evidence, as presented by Leahy et al.

(2020), indicates that regular physical activity can enhance various mental health outcomes.

Physical activity plays a vital role in improving mental health, while physical inactivity can

exacerbate mental health issues in individuals (Leahy et al., 2020).

 Mental disorders are widespread and burdensome, with an estimated 12% of the global

population experiencing them in 2019, contributing to approximately 5% of disability-adjusted

life years (DALYs) and 16% of years lived with disability worldwide (Rehm et al., 2019). This

burden is exacerbated by the high prevalence of coexisting physical conditions, which reduces

life expectancy by 15 to 20 years compared to the general population (Walker et al., 2015). Risk

factors for these physical comorbidities include genetic predisposition, medication side effects,

and unhealthy lifestyles, such as poor diet, substance abuse, insufficient sleep, low physical

activity levels, and sedentary behavior (Schuch et al., 2017; Stubbs et al., 2016; Vancampfort et

al., 2016).

The costs of mental health care, particularly driven by pharmacological treatments, have

risen significantly in recent decades (Jorm et al., 2017). However, existing approaches have not

effectively reduced the prevalence of these disorders at a population level over the past 30 years,

with rates remaining stable globally. In fact, there are indications of increasing rates of common

mental disorders like depression and anxiety, particularly among younger generations (Stubbs,

2016). The importance of exercise in maintaining physical health and overall well-being has

long been recognized.

Numerous studies have shown that engaging in physical activity is linked to various

physiological health benefits, while a lack of exercise is associated with numerous common

causes of death, such as coronary heart disease, certain cancers, obesity, hypertension, and

diabetes (Centre for Disease Control, 1996). Recently, significant research efforts have been
directed towards uncovering the potential positive impacts of physical exercise on mental health

and psychological well-being (Swan, 2019). STEM courses demand a lot from students,

expecting them to demonstrate diligence, skill, and perseverance. However, beyond these

academic qualities, there's often an unspoken demand for perfection, adding to the already

intense pressure. This pressure, coupled with the inflexibility of STEM courses, can worsen

mental health issues, and the lack of open discussion around mental health makes it difficult for

students to seek the support they require (Palmer, 2019).

This study aims to examine the influence of physical activity on STEM students

attending Nabua National High School. Through this investigation, we intend to gather insights

into how engaging in physical activities affects their mental health, taking into account variables

such negative moods, workload, and the specific obstacles encountered by STEM learners.

Significance of the Study

This review aims to describe the effect of physical exercise and activities intervention on

the mental health and quality of life of people and to all Grade 11-STEM Students at Nabua

National High School. Physical activities are an extremely important aspect towards positive

mental health. Multiple studies have been done previously that show one benefit or another that

exercise has towards mental health. The benefits that exercise has to an individual's mental

health are numerous. There are many variables that affect the benefits of exercise to an

individual's mental health and it is important to understand all these variables to understand how
to properly do physical activities to obtain these activities. Physical activities improve mental

health by reducing anxiety, depression, and negative mood and by improving self-esteem and

cognitive function. Mental health service providers can thus provide effective, evidence-based

physical activity interventions for individual's suffering from serious mental illness. Physical

activity and exercises has long been proven to benefit the general population in terms of mental

health.

Research Gap

Based on the information I found, a potential research gap for the study on "The Effects

of Physical Activities on Mental Health among Grade 11 STEM Students at NNHS" could be the

lack of specific research focusing on the mental health benefits of physical activities among

Grade 11 STEM students at NNHS.

While there are studies that explore the effects of physical activities on mental health

among students in general, there may be limited research specifically targeting Grade 11 STEM

students at NNHS. Therefore, conducting a study that specifically examines the relationship

between physical activities and mental health outcomes within this specific group of students

could help fill this research gap.

 By focusing on Grade 11 STEM students at NNHS, you can explore how physical

activities impact their mental well-being, considering factors such as academic stress, workload,

and the unique challenges faced by STEM students. This research can provide valuable insights

into the effectiveness of physical activities in promoting mental health among this particular

group, which can help inform interventions and support strategies tailored to their needs.

Objectives

The study aims to explore how engagement in physical activities correlates with mental

well-being in this specific student demographic. Especially it is to seek to answer the following

questions:

a. What are the potential long-term benefits of implementing physical activity programs for

Grade 11 STEM students in high schools?

b. How does the frequency and intensity of physical activity influence the mental health

outcomes of Grade 11 STEM students?

c. How do various types of physical activities, such as team sports, individual exercises, and

outdoor activities, differ in their effects on the mental health of Grade 11 STEM students?

d. How do regular exercise routines impact the mood and concentration levels of Grade 11

STEM students?

e. How do extracurricular physical activities outside of school hours contribute to the

overall mental health of Grade 11 STEM students in NNHS?

Statement of the Problem

The mental health of Grade 11 STEM students at NNHS is a concern due to the potential

academic stress and workload associated with their studies. However, there is a lack of specific

research on the mental health benefits of physical activities among this group. This research gap

necessitates an investigation into the relationship between physical activities and mental health

outcomes among Grade 11 STEM students at NNHS, addressing their unique challenges and

stressors.

Here are some questions that will guide you:

1. How does the level of physical activity among Grade 11 STEM students at NNHS

correlate with their levels of stress, anxiety, and depression?

2. What is the impact of regular physical activities on the mood and overall psychological

well-being of Grade 11 STEM students at NNHS?

3. How does participation in physical activities contribute to the self-esteem and mental

well-being of Grade 11 STEM students at NNHS?

4. What are the perceived barriers and facilitators to engaging in physical activities among

Grade 11 STEM students at NNHS?

5. How can targeted interventions and support strategies be developed to promote the

mental health and well-being of Grade 11 STEM students at NNHS through physical activities?

Scope and Delimitation

This study will focus on the Grade 11 STEM students of Nabua National High School,

school year 2023-2024.

Specifically, we will investigate how regular physical activity, such as sports, exercise,

and recreational activities, can impact mental health outcomes, including stress levels, anxiety,

depression, and overall emotional well-being. This study will explore the possible mechanisms

through which physical activity influences mental health, such as improvements of cognitive

performance and stress reduction. We will not be examining the effects of physical activity on

mental health in other grade levels or those who are not STEM students. We will only consider

the effects of physical activities on mental health outcomes and will not investigate other

potential factors that may influence mental health, such as environmental circumstances, or pre-

existing mental health conditions. This study aims to provide important insights into how

physical activities can positively impact mental health outcomes among grade 11 students and

how we can promote mental health through physical activities.

Definition of Terms

Anxiety - Feelings of fear, dread, and uneasiness that may occur as a reaction to stress.

Depression - a low mood or loss of pleasure or interest in activities for long periods of time.

Environmental Circumstances - circumstances forming the basis of any actual or alleged

violation of, or liability under, any Environmental Law or Environmental Permit.

Impact - to have a strong effect or influence on a situation or person.

Intervention - the act of interfering with the outcome or course especially of a condition or

process.

Mental Illness - a behavioral or mental pattern that causes significant distress or impairment of

personal functioning.

Mental Health - is the impact that mental health (including emotional, psychological, and social

well-being) has on educational performance.

Physical Activity - any voluntary bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that requires

energy expenditure.

Self Esteem - is the way people think about themselves and how worthwhile they feel.
 Chapter 2

Review of Related Literature and Studies

Foreign Literatures

Physical activity refers to all movement. Popular ways to be active include walking,

cycling, wheeling, sports, active recreation and play, and can be done at any level of skill and for

enjoyment by everybody (World Health Organization, 2024). Being physically active releases

chemicals in the brain that make human feels good, boosting self-esteem, helping concentration,

improving sleep and well-being. There are 9.7 percent of youth in the U.S. have severe major

depression (Mental Health America, 2021).

A study of the (World Health Organization, 2024) reveals that physical activity reduces

symptoms of anxiety and depression. This also prevents noncommunicable diseases (NCDs)

such as heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and some cancers.

According to the (Center for Disease 2017) insufficient physical activity can lead to an

increase in obesity and other poor health outcomes such as diabetes, hypertension and stroke,

cardiovascular disease, some cancers, depression and anxiety, sleep disorders, weak muscles and

bones, and early death.

 While research has focused much of its attention on the overall effects of physical

activity on bodily health, growing evidence supports the benefits of physical activity for brain

health. Higher levels of Physical Activity are positively correlated with general well-being and

negatively correlated with symptoms of depression and anxiety (MacMahon et al., 2017).

Low Physical Activity levels are associated with an increased prevalence of anxiety

(Stubbs et al., 2017).

Similarly, a meta-analysis of 92 studies concluded that Physical Activity has a significant

medium effect in reducing symptoms of depression and a low effect in reducing symptoms of

anxiety (Rebar et al., 2015). On the other hand, two meta-analyses conclude that Physical

Activity can confer protection against the emergence of depression (Schuch and Pearce at al.,

2017).

Local Literatures

The high prevalence of physical inactivity among young Filipinos raises a public health

issue that deserves much attention from local public health authorities and stakeholders. In

particular, the (Philippine Food and Nutrition Research Institute, 2019) reported that 84.6% of

Filipino adolescents aged 10–17 years are not meeting the recommended amount of Physical

Activity for health.

 Based from the data provided by the (Global School-based Health Surveys, 2020)

revealed that the percentage of Filipino adolescents meeting the global Physical Activity

recommendation has remained significantly low since 2003, and there is an increasing trend in

sedentary behaviors. It is still unclear whether this discrepancy is due to ineffective policies or a

lack of technical capacity to implement existing policies.

A more comprehensive evaluation of Physical Activity, including its sources of influence

and settings, is needed to have a broader understanding of the Physical Activity status of children

and adolescents in the Philippines.

One study of the (World Health Organization, 2023) discussed that 41% of the adult

population in the Philippines is reportedly not moving or exercising enough, increasing the risks

of heart disease, diabetes, and other health conditions. In a bid to reduce health risk factors and

provide equitable access to healthier transport options and recreational spaces, several national

government agencies joined forces over two successful multi-sectoral health initiatives.

Local green spaces for sports and recreational activities and ready access to sustainable

and active means of commuting are known to be beneficial for public health, particularly in

densely populated areas.

 In the Philippines, the COVID-19 pandemic exposed major gaps in health- enabling

environments and sustainable transportation networks in urban centres across the country.

During the prolonged lockdowns, many citizens experienced an increase in stress, mental health

problems and exposure to behavioural risk factors such as obesity and physical inactivity (WHO,

2023).

Foreign Studies

Academic stress significantly impacts how well students perform in all aspects of their

academic lives (Subramani Chellamuthu & Kadhiravan Subramanian, 2017). Returning to school

from modular learning, adjusting to the home environment, and dealing with friends, classmates,

and teachers can reduce student academic stress during transitional face-to-face classes.

Academic stress can endanger physical and mental health. High-level stress could

contribute to problems for all individuals, including students. Academic stressors include the

number of tasks, disagreements with a classmate, parental expectations for academic success, a

desire to achieve intellectual self-actualization, and final writing assignments (Austria-Cruz,

2019).

Research developed by (Blasco et al., 2019) with Spanish university students from five

universities exposes that around 10% of Spanish students declare to have had suicidal thoughts in

the last 12 months.

 The frequency in physical activity may also contribute to increased prevalence of mental

health disorders like anxiety and depression which emerge during late adolescence (Leahy et al.,

2020).

The importance of our youth’s mental health is a critical topic which does not receive

enough attention. Mental health issues are on the rise, in students of all ages. Currently, twenty

percent of children experience severely debilitating mental health issues at some point in their

lifetime (Alghadir, 2016). According to Alghadir’s research, 13 percent of children between the

ages of 8 to 13 have issues related to mental health. Mental health in students is a growing

concern (Marsh, 2016; Alghadir, 2016; Pascoe,2019; Smith,2020).

Youth mental health disorders are expected to be a leading cause of disability in

developed countries by 2020 (Pascoe et al., 2019).

Another study done by Sylvester and his partners looked at the association between

physical activity and mental health in adolescence. The study examined if perceptions of three

basic psychological needs (autonomy, competence and relatedness) and moderate to vigorous

physical activity mediate the association between number of years participating in physical

activity and mental health in adolescence (Sylvester et al., 2020).

Additionally, Cecchini and his team found similar results. Cecchini and his team

examined the associations between physical activity levels, sedentary behaviors and depression
symptoms in adolescent girls. They found the most sedentary group had the highest probability

of suffering from depression (Cecchini et al., 2020). Emphasizing physical activity in youth has

been shown to alleviate issues for some of these students who are struggling with mental health

(Lubans et al, 2016).

Local Studies

In a study conducted by (Guthold et al., 2019) found that 30% of Filipino males and 50%

of Filipino females were insufficiently active. These numbers are alarming given that physical

inactivity is a known risk factor of many chronic diseases.

In the study by (Mesquita et al.,2019) men scored higher in cardiorespiratory fitness.

Women were anticipated to have lesser cardiorespiratory fitness due to lower cardiac output and

oxygen transport capacity. It has been speculated that women having lower levels of physical

activity than men caused these physiological differences.

In the Philippines, there are limited studies about physical activity levels and physical

fitness among university students in Metro Manila. Thus, this study will try to establish evidence

of whether male students in the local setting are more physically active than female students.

There have been several publications on the comparison of the fitness levels of males and

females. Male physical education students were reported to have higher physical fitness levels as

compared to female students in terms of anthropometric and performance indices. Furthermore,

the gender differences in the adherence of physical activity in the study by Zaccagni et al., 2019)

showed that Italian female university students were three times as sedentary as their male

counterparts.

For instance, substantial reduction in physical activity and the rise in sedentary/sitting

behaviors were found in both sexes and different age groups (Maugeri et al., 2020; López-

Valenciano et al., 2021).

Similarly, variations in people’s health aspects, like increased anxiety, stress, and

depression, higher level of fatigue, decline in social interaction, enhanced feelings of loneliness

and sadness, and difficulty in focusing on work and studies were observed (Active Minds, 2020;

Maugeri et al., 2020; Tee et al., 2020, 2021; Violant-Holz et al., 2020).
 Chapter 3

METHODOLOGY

Research Design

This case study design aims to explore the relationship between physical activity and

mental health among Grade 11 STEM students at Nabua National High School. Selecting

students for interviews and group discussions, asking about their thoughts and experiences with

physical activity and mental well-being. By observing their behaviour, we aim to understand

how these activities influence their mental health. Thematic analysis will be employed to identify

key themes and patterns within the qualitative data, allowing for a comprehensive understanding

of the subject matter. This study provides valuable insights for educators and health

professionals.

Sources of Data

To gather data on the effects of physical activity on mental health among Grade 11

STEM students at Nabua National High School, The researchers used primary sources which is

the survey questionnaires through google form. The researcher also used secondary sources

which is the newspaper articles to ensure the reliability and validity of data collected.
Data Gathering Procedure

The main point of these study is to point out The Effects of Physical Activities on Mental

Health among Grade 11 Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) students.

The researchers prepared fixed survey to the chosen Grade 11 students. The Survey will be

enough to provide the sufficient and needed data to answer the questions and assumptions of the

study. the questions will be printed on a survey form that will be given as a hard copy of the

questionnaire questions to the selected students of Grade 11. Before the survey is given to the

respondents, it needed to review by a teaching specialist and the researcher's teacher needed to

ensure the validity of the survey. The survey form will be given to the selected grade 11 students.

The answering of the survey will be supervised by the researchers. Through this process after

receiving the answer, researchers may takes place to do the data analysis to answer the research

assumptions.

Data Analysis

Gender Male:2
Female:
3
Total:5
School Nabua National High
School
Strand STEM

Age 17-18 years old.

No Question: Yes No Maybe
.

1. Does engaging in physical activities have a positive impact on 5 0 0

mental health?
(100%) (0%) (0%)

2. Can the workload of a student’s affect the mental health 5 0 0

benefits of physical activities?
(100%) (0%) (0%)

3. Do negative moods such as anxiety affect the mental health 5 0 0

benefits of physical activities?
(100%) (0%) (0%)

4. Does the unique challenges such as academic demand faced 3 1 1

by STEM learners affect their response to physical activity?
(80%) (20%) (20%)

5. Does academic demand faced by STEM learners have an 4 0 1

impact on their response to physical activity in terms of mental
health improvement? (80%) (0%) (20%)

6. Do you feel a sense of social connection and camaraderie 3 1 2

when engaging in physical activities with your peers?
(60%) (20%) (40%)

7. Do you feel a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction when 5 0 0

you achieve your physical activity goals?
(100%) (0%) (0%)

8. Do you feel a sense of social connection and camaraderie 3 1 2

when engaging in physical activities with your peers?
(60%) (20%) (40%)

9. Does participating in physical help increase your stress 3 2 1

levels?
(60%) (40%) (20%)

10. Do you feel more energized and focused after engaging in 5 0 0

physical activities?
(100%) (0%) (0%)
Statistical Treatment

This study uses a 5-point Liker scale to measure people's thoughts on the effects of

physical activity on their mental health. The researchers create a list of statements and ask

participants how much they agree or disagree with each one. Participants choose from options

ranging from "strongly disagree" to "strongly agree" for each statement. This method helps

researchers understand opinions and give valuable insights about the impact of physical activity.

Research Instrument

The tools chosen for this study are essential for capturing the subtleties of the association

between physical activity and mental health in Grade 11 STEM students at NNHS. By using a

customized mix of questionnaires, surveys, interviews, physical activity logs, mental health

assessment tools, and activity monitoring technology, researchers can obtain a comprehensive

picture of the ways in which participating in physical activities affects the mental health of

students in this particular order. To conduct our research on the effects of physical activities on

mental health, we employed an online google form questionnaires in an effort to gain insight into

the student's opinions regarding the effects of physical activities to our mental health.

Every question on the questionnaire will be useful to understand the student's

perspectives on this topic. Through methods like interviews, focus groups, and case studies,

qualitative research uncovers rich, detailed information that can explain the 'why' and 'how'

behind patterns observed in quantitative data. Engaging in regular physical activities has

profound positive effects on mental health. Exercise stimulates the production of endorphins,

which are natural mood lifters, and reduces levels of the stress hormone. Additionally, physical
activity promotes better sleep, which is crucial for mental health, and fosters a sense of

accomplishment and confidence.

References

Al-Maraira, O. A., & Shennaq, S. Z. (2021). Investigation of depression, anxiety and stress

levels of health-care students during COVID-19 pandemic. Mental Health Review Journal,

26(2), 113–127. https://doi.org/10.1108/MHRJ-10-2020-0070

Byrom, N. (2018). An evaluation of a peer support intervention for student mental health.

Journalof Mental Health, 27(3), 240–246. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638237.2018.1437605

Caporale-Berkowitz, N. A. (2022). Let’s teach peer support skills to all college students: Here’s

how and why. Journal of American College Health, 70(7), 1921–1925.

https://doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2020.1841775

Daker, R. J., Gattas, S. U., Sokolowski, H. M., Green, A. E., & Lyons, I. M. (2021). First-year

students’ math anxiety predicts STEM avoidance and underperformance throughout university,

independently of math ability. NPJ Science of Learning, 6(1), Article 17.

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41539-021-00095-7

Dimitrov, D. M. (2012). Statistical methods for validation of assessment scale data in counseling

and related fields. American Counseling Association.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/depression-and-

exercise/art-20046495
ERIC - Education Resources Information Center.(n.d.). https://eric.ed.gov/?

redir=http%3a%2f%2fgateway.proquest.com%2fopenurl%3furl_ver

%3dZ39.882004%26rft_val_fmt%3dinfo%3aofi%2ffmt%3akev%3amtx%3adissertation

%26res_dat%3dxri%3apqm%26rft_dat%3dxri%3apqdiss%3a30694538