Youngho Kim¹, Jonghwa Lee^2,*

International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, Vol.27, No.12, pp. 1949-1960, 2025, DOI:10.32604/ijmhp.2025.072560 - 31 December 2025

Abstract Background: Shift-based occupations have been consistently linked to adverse psychological outcomes; however, limited research has examined how work schedule type and physical activity are jointly associated with mental health and job stress in public transportation employees, a population frequently exposed to irregular hours and safety-critical responsibilities. This study investigated the associations between work schedule type and physical activity with mental health indicators and job stress among Seoul Metro employees. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was administered to 298 full-time male employees of Seoul Metro. Participants were categorized by work schedule (shift vs. regular) and physical activity level… More >

Burak Canpolat^1,*, Göktuğ Norman², Cemal Gündoğdu², Şakir Tüfekçi², Yalın Aygün², Taylan Akbuğa³

International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, Vol.27, No.11, pp. 1781-1795, 2025, DOI:10.32604/ijmhp.2025.069852 - 28 November 2025

Abstract Objectives: This study examines the effectiveness of an eight-week game-based physical activity program designed to reduce post-traumatic stress levels in children affected by the Kahramanmaraş-centered earthquakes that occurred in Turkey on 06 February 2023. Following the earthquake, millions of children experienced significant changes in their education and living conditions, adversely affecting their psychological health. Methods: The therapeutic effects of physical activity on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are frequently emphasized in the literature, and this study specifically focuses on the impact of game-based exercises. The research employed an experimental design, involving 80 earthquake-affected children aged 10 to… More >

Huazhe Wan¹, Wenying Huang², Wen Zhang², Chang Hu^2,*

International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, Vol.27, No.10, pp. 1611-1626, 2025, DOI:10.32604/ijmhp.2025.070457 - 31 October 2025

Abstract Background: Social anxiety is prevalent among adolescents and severely impacts their mental health and social functioning. This study aims to explore the underlying mechanisms and subgroup differences in adolescent social anxiety to provide a theoretical basis for targeted interventions. Methods: 3025 Chinese adolescents (Mean_age = 13.91 ± 1.60 years; 47% male) completed self-report measures of physical activity, core self-evaluation, and social anxiety. Variable-centered analyses employed PROCESS Model 4 with 5000 bootstrap samples; covariates were gender, grade, and place of residence. Person-centered analyses used latent profile analysis in Mplus 8.3 to identify subgroups based on social anxiety… More >

Weijia Zhu¹, Linjing Zhou¹, Zijun Liu¹, Kaiqi Guan¹, Yifei Dong², Meijun Hou¹, Xun Luo¹, Ziquan Cai¹, Jinming Li¹, Zhihao Zhang¹, Qian Yu¹, Sebastian Ludyga³, Tai Ji⁴, Jiahui Wang¹, Ryan S. Falck^5,6,7,8, Charles H. Hillman^9,10,11, Kirk I. Erickson¹², Arthur F. Kramer^9,10,13, Mats Hallgren^14,15, Myrto F. Mavilidi¹⁶, Fred Paas^17,18, Matthew Heath^19,20, Fabian Herold²¹, Liye Zou^1,*

International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, Vol.27, No.10, pp. 1439-1455, 2025, DOI:10.32604/ijmhp.2025.069633 - 31 October 2025

Abstract Background: There is growing evidence that an acute bout of exercise positively influences executive function (EF). However, the existing evidence primarily originates from laboratory-based studies, and only a limited number of studies have extended this work to real-world classroom settings. Accordingly, in the present study, we aimed to employ a real classroom setting to determine whether acute exercise-induced effects on EF emerged. Methods: All 49 students who enrolled in a real-world course agreed to participate in the experimental protocol and the final sample was composed of 43 individuals (13 male and 30 female participants). Participants… More >

Jinwoong Choi¹, Young-lae Choi², Kyuhyun Choi^2,*

International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, Vol.27, No.10, pp. 1515-1532, 2025, DOI:10.32604/ijmhp.2025.068306 - 31 October 2025

Abstract Objectives: For the younger generation (i.e., Millennials and Generation Z), running is not only about physical health, but also about building psychological resources and multidimensional well-being, reflecting their unique culture and lifestyle. This study aims to investigate the structural relationships among exercise commitment, psychological capital (PsyCap), and flourishing in younger adults in South Korea by integrating Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) and Broaden-and-Build Theory (BBT) using a second-order partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Methods: A total of 166 participants were recruited through convenience sampling via online survey. They were young South Korean adults (born… More >

Dingmeng Mao¹, Guannan Bai², Lin Yang^3,4,5, Jane Jie Yu^1,*

International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, Vol.27, No.9, pp. 1221-1235, 2025, DOI:10.32604/ijmhp.2025.069810 - 30 September 2025

Abstract Background: Physical inactivity among adolescents has become a global public health challenge, with over 80% failing to meet the recommendations of the WHO for activity levels. Existing research predominantly examines how physical activity (PA) enhances resilience, while the predictive role of resilience in PA, particularly its interaction with family factors, has received limited attention. This study aimed to examine the associations between resilience and PA among adolescents, focusing on family functioning and gender differences. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 909 Chinese adolescents (463 males and 446 females, aged 13.3 ± 0.5 years)… More >

Ye Hoon Lee¹, Yoonjung Park^2,*

International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, Vol.27, No.8, pp. 1133-1148, 2025, DOI:10.32604/ijmhp.2025.069800 - 29 August 2025

Abstract Objectives: Population aging is occurring at a rapid speed all over the world, bringing considerable public health challenges, including for the mental health of older adults. Considering that older populations are prone to depression and stress, the need for effective preventive interventions is critical. Thus, we conducted a study aimed at exploring the preventive impact of a community-based Tai Chi program over 8 weeks on depression and perceived stress in healthy older adults in South Korea. Methods: A quasi-experimental design was utilized, with 63 older adults participating (31 individuals in the Tai Chi group and… More >

Zhiyan Xiao¹, Xiangqin Song^2,*

International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, Vol.27, No.8, pp. 1101-1116, 2025, DOI:10.32604/ijmhp.2025.066316 - 29 August 2025

Abstract Objectives: Adults with cataracts are often reported with mental health issues, which has driven researchers to identify modifiable factors so that effective intervention programs can be timely implemented. Thus, we investigated associations of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) with stress, anxiety, and sleep problems among adults with cataracts. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 2219 participants with cataracts completed self-reported measures on demographic characteristics (e.g., age and sex), PA, SB, anxiety, stress and sleep problems. Multiple linear regression and logistic analyses adjusted for covariates were employed to examine the associations of… More >

Gracia Cristina Villodres^1,#,*, Federico Salvador-Pérez², José Joaquín Muros¹, Rocío Vizcaíno-Cuenca^3,4,#

International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, Vol.27, No.7, pp. 877-899, 2025, DOI:10.32604/ijmhp.2025.066137 - 31 July 2025

Abstract Background: University students face significant challenges in maintaining healthy physical activity (PA) and dietary habits, and they often fall short of global health recommendations. Psychological factors such as social physique anxiety, body image concerns, and self-objectification may act as barriers to PA engagement, influencing both mental and physical health. The present study constructed a structural equation model (SEM) to examine the relationship between body image-related psychological factors and resistance to PA in university students from southern Spain. Methods: A cross-sectional and correlational study was conducted with 519 university students (74% females, 26% males; Mean age… More >

Jingtao Wu¹, Yanhong Shao², Wanli Zang³, Jun Hu^1,*

International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, Vol.27, No.5, pp. 717-735, 2025, DOI:10.32604/ijmhp.2025.061576 - 05 June 2025

Abstract Background: With the rapid growth of internet usage, adolescent cyberbullying has become a pressing issue. This study examines the longitudinal impact of leisure-time physical activity and peer relationships on cyberbullying over a one-year period, drawing on the Stage-Environment Fit Theory and the Interpersonal Relationship Theory. Methods: A three-wave longitudinal study was conducted over one year, involving 896 middle school students from five schools in Sichuan, Jiangsu, and Guangdong, China, selected to ensure regional diversity. Participants were recruited using stratified random sampling, and data were collected at four-month intervals. Leisure-time physical activity, peer relationships, and cyberbullying… More >