K-State professor’s research connects nature-based physical activity and mental health practices
In 2024, 70% of college students reported they’ve struggled with their mental health since starting college.
Recognizing the mental health crisis sweeping campuses across the country, many universities are concerned. K-State kinesiology associate professor Emily Mailey says that getting students outdoors is the most effective tool that college counseling centers can use.
As the director of K-State’s Physical Activity Intervention Center, Mailey says learning how to integrate nature-based physical activity in mental health practices is one of the most powerful trainings colleges can give their counseling teams.
Understanding the incredible impact these trainings could have, Mailey and her research team have partnered with K-State’s Counseling and Psychological Services to pilot a project studying the implementation of nature-based physical activity programs into group therapy services.
“There’s pretty strong evidence that exercise is effective in the prevention and treatment of depression, anxiety, and many mental health disorders, but mental health providers may not feel they have the knowledge or training to address physical activity in therapy,” she shared. “Our toolkit will equip therapists with the confidence and skills to promote physical activity among their clients.”
Mailey’s interdisciplinary project earned her the Lauren S. Aaronson Pilot Award from the Frontiers Clinical and Translational Science Institute. Over the next year, she and her team will create training for K-State’s counseling team on how to merge nature-based exercise with existing group therapy programs.
During the facilitated group meetings, participants will spend time outdoors, discuss strategies for increasing outdoor activity levels and work with counselors to discuss mental health challenges.
Mailey says the uniquely close relationship between patients and their mental health providers is the perfect conduit to promote physical exercise.
“Compared to other healthcare professions, mental health providers tend to spend more time with their clients,” she emphasized.
Given the current college mental health climate, Mailey’s project prompts colleges to step outside their counseling comfort zones — into the great outdoors.
Written By: Abbigail Marshall
Curated from: https://frontiersctsi.org/news-events/lauren-s-aaronson-pilot-awardee-emily-mailey-ph-d-kansas-state-university
