The Influence of Football Participation on Alleviating Symptoms of Depression among Female University Students

Abstract

This study examines the impact of playing football on reducing depressive symptoms in female college students.  Depression is a common mental health condition among this group that is frequently made worse by personal struggles, societal obligations, and academic demands.  Using standardized instruments like the PHQ-9 questionnaire, the study uses an experimental design to detect changes in depression levels before and after participation.  Following participation in a systematic football training program, the results show a significant decrease in depression symptoms.  The findings show that playing football enhances social connection, emotional expression, and self-efficacy in addition to physical fitness, all of which are critical for enhancing mental health.  This study emphasizes how football, especially at universities, can be used as a non-pharmacological mental health intervention.  It provides information about the advantages of sports for mental health, laying the groundwork for incorporating football into wellness initiatives as a component of a larger plan to address depression in female college students.  The study's conclusion urges more research on the long-term effects of physical activity on mental health and suggests including football into university mental health programs.

Keywords: Depression, Football, Female University Students, Mental Health, Physical Activity, Intervention.