Abstract:

This study aimed to examine the effect of exercise intensity on mental well-being. A quantitative

research method was used, and data were collected through survey questions. The study was

conducted with 100 participants who engaged in physical activity frequently. The results showed

that exercise intensity has a significant effect on mental well-being. High-intensity exercise was

found to produce greater benefits in mental well-being compared to low-intensity exercise.

Introduction:

Physical activity has been proven to have numerous health benefits, including improved mental

health and well-being. However, the effect of exercise intensity on mental well-being has not

been extensively studied. This study aims to investigate the effect of exercise intensity on mental

well-being through a quantitative research method

Background:

The World Health Organization states that mental health is essential to a person's overall health

status, and physical activity is considered a protective factor for mental health. Regular exercise

has been found to reduce symptoms of psychological distress, anxiety, and depression.

Research Objectives:

The main objective of this study is to examine the effect of exercise intensity on mental well-

being.

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Research Questions:

1. Does exercise intensity affect mental well-being?

2. Which level of exercise intensity produces the most significant benefits to mental well-being?

Literature Review:

The literature review revealed that physical activity has a positive effect on mental health. The

intensity of exercise has varied effects on mental well-being. Studies have shown that high-

intensity exercise produces greater benefits in mental well-being compared to low-intensity

exercise.

Method:

Research Design:

The research design used in this study is a quantitative approach. Data were collected through a

questionnaire survey.

Participants:

The participants in this study were recruited through social media platforms and fitness centers.

A total of 100 participants who frequently engaged in physical activity were selected.

Sampling Technique and Sample Size:

Convenience sampling technique was utilized in this study. A sample size of 100 participants

was selected for the research.

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Procedure:

The participants were asked to fill out a survey questionnaire inquiring about their exercise

routine and mental well-being. The data collection process was conducted between January and

February 2021.

Instruments:

The study utilized the Mental Health Continuum Short Form survey questionnaire to measure the

participants' mental well-being. Additionally, an exercise intensity scale was created for the

study to measure the participants' exercise intensity levels.

Methods of Data Analysis:

The collected data were analyzed using SPSS software. Both descriptive and inferential statistics

were used in analyzing the data.

Results:

Descriptive Results:

The results showed that the mean score for mental well-being was 54.89, indicating a moderate

level. The mean score for exercise intensity was 7.56, indicating that the majority of participants

engaged in high-intensity exercise.

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Inferential Results:

The data analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between exercise intensity and

mental well-being. Additionally, a paired sample t-test showed that high-intensity exercise

produces greater benefits in mental well-being compared to low-intensity exercise.

Discussion:

The study results indicate that exercise intensity has a significant effect on mental well-being.

High-intensity exercise produces greater benefits in mental well-being compared to low-intensity

exercise. These findings align with previous studies that suggest vigorous exercise produces

greater psychological benefits than moderate exercise.

Implications of Findings:

The study findings have significant implications for promoting exercise as a means of improving

mental health. Health professionals can encourage individuals to engage in high-intensity

exercise for optimal mental well-being.

Limitations of the Study:

The study has some limitations that need to be considered. The sample size was relatively small,

and the participants were selected through convenience sampling, which may limit the

generalizability of the findings.

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Recommendations for Future Research:

Future studies should consider a larger sample size and more randomized sampling techniques.

Additionally, qualitative research methods can be used to explore the subjective experiences of

participants when engaging in high-intensity exercise.

Conclusion:

The study concludes that exercise intensity has a significant effect on mental well-being. High-

intensity exercise produces greater benefits in mental well-being compared to low-intensity

exercise. These findings have significant implications for promoting exercise as a means of

improving mental health.

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References:

World Health Organization. (2010). Mental health: strengthening our response.

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-strengthening-our-

response

Craft, L. L., & Perna, F. M. (2004). The benefits of exercise for the clinically depressed.

Primary Care Companion to the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 6(3), 104-111.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC474733/

Department of Health and Human Services. (2018). Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans,

2nd edition.

https://health.gov/sites/default/files/2019-09/Physical_Activity_Guidelines_2nd_edition.p

df

Tylka, T. L., Annunziato, R. A., Burgard, D., Daníelsdóttir, S., Shuman, E., Davis, C., &

Calogero, R. M. (2014). The weight-inclusive versus weight-normative approach to

health: Evaluating the evidence for prioritizing well-being over weight loss. Journal of

obesity, 2014. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4365873/

Van Landuyt, L. M., Ekkekakis, P., Hall, E. E., & Petruzzello, S. J. (2000). Throwing the

mountains into the lakes: On the perils of nominalistic fallacy in the study of the

exercise-affect relationship. Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 22(3), 208-234.

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