The Association Between Resistance Training And Depression Among College-aged Adults

Depression is a mental condition affecting the quality of life among young adults and is associated with an increased risk of social dysfunction and suicide. It is well documented that regular physical activity has an antidepressant effect. However, there is limited data on the association of specific type of exercise such as resistance training (RT) and depression among college-aged adults. PURPOSE: To examine the association between depression and RT among young adults (18-24 years old) based on their college status using national representative data. METHODS: Using the 2015-2023 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, participants between 18-24 years old were included in the analysis. Participants self-reported their diagnosis of depression, RT engagement and whether they are currently enrolled in college. Unadjusted and adjusted logistic regressions were performed with depression diagnosis regressed into RT, college enrollment, and the interaction terms between RT and college enrollment. Survey analysis approach was used in all analyses. RESULTS: A total of 36,351 participants (18-24 years old) were included in the analysis with 58.51% (95% CI [57.62, 59.39]) not currently enrolled and 41.49% (95% CI [40.61, 42.38]) currently enrolled in college. Across the sample, 66.06% (95% CI [65.22, 66.90]) reported RT participation. When stratified by college enrollment status, 42.40% (95% CI [41.31, 43.49]) of college students and 57.60% (95% CI [56.51, 58.69]) of non-college students reported engaging in RT. Based on the unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression, participants who engaged in RT had a 0.71 (95% CI [0.64, 0.80]) and 0.79 (95% CI [0.70, 0.89]) odds ratio compared to participants who did not engage in RT in having a depression diagnosis, respectively. No association was found between depression diagnosis and college status and between depression diagnosis and the interaction term between RT and college enrollment status. CONCLUSIONS: Regardless of college status, young adults who participate in RT have a lower likelihood of a depression diagnosis. This is particularly important as RT may be a mode of physical activity to decrease the risk of depression and improve quality of life.