Can physical activity improve mental health ?
Physical activity has been found to significantly improve mental health by enhancing self-efficacy and stress self-management skills. Research shows that engaging in physical activities can lead to a sense of accomplishment, boosting an individual's confidence in their abilities, which in turn fosters better stress management and contributes to enhanced mental well-being. This relationship is particularly important for adolescents, a demographic vulnerable to mental health challenges. Future research should focus on identifying specific types of physical activities that have a greater potential to enhance these skills, guiding the development of targeted interventions aimed at improving mental health through physical activity.