Teachers urged to take part in new DCU study looking at links between physical activity and mental wellbeing in teenagers
A new study will explore the relationship between physical activity and mental wellbeing in Irish secondary school students.
Details of the ambitious study was announced earlier this week, with the aim of at least four schools in every county taking part.
John Murphy, a PhD student in DCU St Patrick’s campus and a PE teacher, is calling on post-primary schools and teachers to participate in the Physical Activity and Wellbeing study.
“We're looking to explore the relationship between physical activity and mental wellbeing in Irish teenagers,” he said.
“We’re hoping that the study will show that being physically active and playing sports leads to better wellbeing and lower rates of depression and anxiety.
“If the study shows that, we can start doing some physical activity interventions to see how much of an impact it makes.”
The project will focus on teenagers aged between 12 and 19 years of age.
Since the study was announced, teachers from some 30 schools have contacted John to register their interest.
He is aiming to get four schools from each county, with a minimum of 100 students from each school taking part.
John is hoping to have the study published early next year, and will make the report available to all participating schools.
“I’m hoping to have all the results collated by Christmas or the New Year, and will be publishing shortly afterwards then.
Teachers are being asked to register their school's interest by October 18th next, and John will be in contact shortly afterwards.
The study has been approved by the DCU Research Ethics Committee, and is being supervised by Dr Bronagh McCrane and Dr Mary Rose Sweeney.
The link at which you can register your interest is here: https://bit.ly/2Pn0H9E