‘In a healthy body resides a healthy mind’: Sensory Processing Sensitivity and Students Mental Health and the Moderating Role of Physical Activity

Kaci, Filiz (2024) ‘In a healthy body resides a healthy mind’: Sensory Processing Sensitivity and Students Mental Health and the Moderating Role of Physical Activity. Bachelor thesis, Psychology.

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Abstract

Given that nearly half of the students in the Netherlands experience mental health issues, investigating potential risk factors on student mental health in the Netherlands is crucial. One relevant risk factor is the trait Sensory processing sensitivity (SPS), which refers to the increased sensitivity towards external stimuli. Elevated SPS levels have been associated with higher stress levels, potentially contributing to impaired mental health. This study aims to examine the predictive value of SPS on the mental health of students in the Netherlands, along with the moderating effect of physical activity. To explore the hypotheses a convenience sample through an online survey consisting of 249 participants from universities and universities of applied sciences in the Netherlands has been collected. The regression analysis revealed a significant negative association between student mental health and SPS, however, no significant dampening effect of physical activity was established. These findings imply that students scoring high on SPS have an increased vulnerability to mental health issues, though physical activity does not seem to dampen this association. Insights gained from this study can contribute to developing prevention, detection, and intervention strategies to support students' well-being. Future research should consider employing a longitudinal study design, ensuring well-distributed sampling, and utilizing alternative scales to assess physical activity. Keywords: Mental health, sensory processing sensitivity, physical activity, university students, Netherlands

Item Type:	Thesis (Bachelor)
Supervisor name:	Dellen, S.A. van
Degree programme:	Psychology
Differentiation route:	None [Bachelor Psychology]
Date Deposited:	05 Jul 2024 08:52
Last Modified:	05 Jul 2024 08:52
URI:	http://gmwpublic.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/3677

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