University students encounter a wide array of pressures. Beyond typical academic demands like exams and term papers, many now face significant financial burdens from increased tuition and resulting debt. The prospect of finding employment after graduation adds another layer of stress. Furthermore, non-traditional students often juggle additional responsibilities, such as caring for children or maintaining full-time employment, alongside their studies.

Unique Stressors for University Students

An intervention combining cognitive behavior therapy and exercise may be effective in treating stress, anxiety and mood symptoms among university students, a population with unique barriers to treatment-as-usual CBT.

Cleveland State University

Health Psychology research studies relating to the Young Adult Life Stage include
- Impact of Social Media on Young Adults
- CBT + Exercise vs Treatment as Usual in Treating Anxiety 
and Depression in University Students


Health Psychology Research Relating to the Young Adult Life Stage

Health Psychology research related to Depression includes studies on the effects of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) on people with chronic illness, seasonal patterns in mindfulness and attitudes in people with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), the influence of sunlight and serotonin on mood, and a pilot study comparing CBT plus exercise versus treatment-as-usual for anxiety and depression in university students.

Health Psychology Research Relating to Depression

Newcombe, B. C., Olthuis, J. V., MacLean, M., Hamilton, R., & McAulay, T. (2023). Cbt + exercise vs treatment as usual in treating anxiety and depression in university students: A pilot study. Journal of College Student Psychotherapy. https://doi.org/10.1080/87568225.2023.2181255

Cbt + exercise vs treatment as usual in treating anxiety and depression in university students: A pilot study

Chronic physical and mental illnesses severely impair the daily activities of people. When major depressive disorder presents itself as a co-morbid illness to existing chronic illnesses, patients are more likely to encounter health problems. Generally, people with both MDD and chronic illness(s) had a greater number of healthcare utilizations, work absences, and short-term disabilities than people with MDD but no physical conditions or people with physical conditions but no MDD. 

Effect of Major Depressive Disorder on People with Chronic Illnesses

Seasonal depression, also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder, is a common and reoccurring condition impacting mood and energy level during seasonal changes. According to research, these behavioral changes in response to the environment are correlated with differing seasonal mindsets.

Seasonal Patterns in Mindfulness  and Attitudes in People with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Variations in weather patterns, such as decreased sunlight during rainy seasons, are often associated with mood changes like sadness, while sunny days tend to promote happiness. When these seasonal mood variations are severe and clinically diagnosed, they fall under Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation, mediates these changes, demonstrating a relationship between normal seasonal variations in sunlight and brain serotonin levels.

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