Role of Exercise in Reducing Anxiety and Depression Among Adults

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.48112/aessr.v6i1.1193

Abstract

Abstract Views: 268

This study investigated the relationship between exercise duration and psychological well-being, with particular focus on symptoms of depression and anxiety among adults. The study aimed to examine whether regular engagement in exercise is associated with lower levels of anxiety and depression, and whether gender differences exist in these psychological outcomes. Adults from various universities participated in the study. Participants were divided into two groups, including regular exercise performers and non-performers. Data were collected using a demographic information form along with standardised measures of anxiety and depression. The findings indicated that individuals who engaged in regular exercise reported lower levels of both anxiety and depression compared to those who did not exercise. Greater time spent exercising was associated with better psychological outcomes. In addition, gender differences were observed, with females reporting comparatively higher levels of anxiety than males. Overall, the results suggest that regular exercise may play a meaningful role in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. These findings highlight the potential value of incorporating physical activity into mental health promotion strategies. However, the use of convenience sampling and a cross-sectional research design may limit the generalizability of the results.

Keywords:

Anxiety disorders, Depression duration, Gender difference, University adults

Author Biographies

Muddassar Khan,

He is a Research Scholar at the Department of Psychology, Islamia College Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan. He completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Islamia College Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan.

Lubna Nazneen (Ph.D),

She is a Lecturer at the Department of Psychology, Islamia College Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan. She obtained her Doctoral Degree in Psychology from the University of Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan.

Musawera Ghani,

She is currently working as a Clinical Psychologist at the Trauma Centre, Department of Psychology, Islamia College Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan. She completed her graduation in Psychology from the Islamia College Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan.

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Published

2026-02-28

How to Cite

Khan, M., Nazneen, L., & Ghani, M. (2026). Role of Exercise in Reducing Anxiety and Depression Among Adults. Academy of Education and Social Sciences Review, 6(1), 57–67. https://doi.org/10.48112/aessr.v6i1.1193

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