Effects of COVID-19 Mandates on College Students’ Exercise Experiences and Psychosocial Health

Abstract

Based on the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there has been a 25% increase in anxiety and depression worldwide, especially among young adults and women who were hit the worst, due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Exercise participation has several health benefits, including improved mental health and well-being during covid-19. Additionally, the highest levels of health and well-being are observed among those with the highest levels of autonomy. Given that autonomy and free will were significantly limited during the Covid-19 pandemic, the purpose of this study was to examine how covid-19 mandates influenced college students’ exercise experiences and psychosocial health. The participants included 13 ethnically diverse undergraduate students (females = 10; males = 3; Asian = 5; Latino/Hispanic = 4; Caucasian = 3; Native American = 1) of varied educational backgrounds. This was a phronetic, qualitative study within two university (U) settings: one on the West Coast (WU) and the other in the South (SU). Based on the phronetic analysis, three themes emerged regarding the effects of lockdowns, heavy screen use, and mask mandates. In the first theme, most students, especially those with longer stay-at-home mandates (WU), expressed decrements in or complete cease of exercise participation. In the second theme, a few students found more time to socialize and reflect on their well-being. In the third theme, negative psychosocial experiences (especially in WU) were reported like depression, anxiety, and challenges in social relationships. Kinesiology experts and public health officials should reconsider covid-19 mitigation measures by respecting human agency.