Knowledge Resource
Research Summary: Physical education and student mental well-being in higher education: a socio-cultural review
- Original authors
- Attribution requires verification
- Original source
- Frontiers in Education
- Summary & Analysis prepared by
- Aziz Shuaib Ausi
- Resource type
- Research Summary / Knowledge Resource
- Resource published on AZIZ OS
- 26 September 2026
- Last updated
- 8 November 2026
- Reading time
- 1 min
- Publication type
- Knowledge Resource
- Availability
- Open access
About this Summary & Analysis
AZIZ OS provides independently prepared summaries and analytical interpretations of externally published research and knowledge sources. The underlying works remain attributable to their original authors and rights holders. This resource is intended to improve accessibility and understanding and does not replace the original publication.
A review from 'Frontiers in Education' highlights the critical role of physical education (PE) in enhancing student mental well-being within higher education. It positions PE as an integrative educational practice, moving beyond mere fitness, to address increasing academic pressure, sedentary lifestyles, and mental health challenges among university students. The review synthesizes international research on pedagogical conditions, instructional approaches, and institutional strategies linking physical activity with psychological resilience, motivation, emotional regulation, and social engagement, emphasizing student-centered and inclusive models, digital technology integration, and interdisciplinary approaches.
Why it matters
This analysis underscores the critical need for educational institutions to proactively address student mental well-being, which is fundamental to academic success and overall societal development. Integrating physical education strategically can enhance resilience and cognitive functions, fostering a more robust and engaged student body. This approach contributes to long-term institutional stability and the quality of graduates entering the workforce.
Key insights
- Physical education is re-evaluated as an integrative educational practice for mental well-being, not solely a fitness subject.
- Higher education students face increasing academic pressure, sedentary lifestyles, and mental health challenges.
- International research connects physical activity with psychological resilience, motivation, emotional regulation, and social engagement.
- Pedagogical conditions, instructional approaches, and institutional strategies are key to effective PE for mental well-being.
- Student-centered and inclusive models are emphasized for physical education programs.
- Integration of digital technologies and interdisciplinary approaches are relevant considerations for PE delivery.
Source
Frontiers in Education — https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1815626
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- Verification ID
- ASA-EXE-2026-00897
- Version
- v1.0 · r0
- Issued
- 26 September 2026
- Resource prepared by
- Aziz Shuaib Ausi
- Resource status
- Research Summary / Knowledge Resource
- Underlying work
- Physical education and student mental well-being in higher education: a socio-cultural review
- Original authors
- Attribution requires verification
- Original source
- Frontiers in Education
- Provenance status
- Attribution requires verification
- Rights
- Underlying publication rights remain with the respective copyright holder(s). Refer to the original source for authoritative publication and licensing information.
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