THE INFLUENCE OF REGULAR PHYSICAL EDUCATION CLASSES ON STUDENTS’ MENTAL WELL-BEING AND LEARNING ENGAGEMENT IN HIGHER EDUCATION
Keywords:
physical education, mental well-being, learning engagement, university students, higher educationAbstract
This study investigates the influence of regular physical education (PE) classes on students’ mental well-being and learning engagement in higher education. Increasing academic stress and reduced physical activity have negatively affected university students’ psychological health and classroom participation. A quasi-experimental study was conducted with 104 undergraduate students divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group attended regular structured PE classes for ten weeks, while the control group followed the standard academic schedule without additional physical activity. Mental well-being and learning engagement were assessed using validated questionnaires. The results indicate significant improvements in psychological well-being, stress reduction, and learning engagement among students participating in regular physical education classes. The findings support the integration of physical education as a supportive pedagogical tool in higher education.
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