Sports Participation and Mental Health Among University Students: International Perspectives and Policy Recommendations

Abstract

This paper examines how sports participation relates to the mental health of Korean university students and suggests policy directions to better support student well-being through structured physical activity. Although awareness of mental health issues among students has grown in recent years, regular engagement in sports remains limited. The primary objective of this study is to identify how international practices in university sports can inform policy frameworks in Korea and to propose evidence-based strategies that address student mental health more effectively. Drawing on government reports, previous studies, and policy cases from the United States, Europe, and Japan, this study identifies structural challenges in Korea’s university sports landscape and offers practical recommendations. Existing research highlights that physical activity contributes not only to physical fitness but also to stress relief, improved emotional stability, and boosted self-esteem. Mental health in this paper is defined broadly to include reductions in stress and anxiety, alleviation of depressive symptoms, and improvements in self-worth and psychological resilience. The findings indicate that sports participation helps alleviate academic stress, enhances emotional stability, and strengthens self-esteem, thereby functioning as a critical mechanism for student well-being. Building on these insights, this paper presents a multi-layered policy framework that includes enhancing campus sports infrastructure; integrating physical activity with mental health services; fostering collaboration among governmental bodies, universities, local governments, and private companies; and promoting a long-term shift toward a more active and supportive campus culture. By drawing on comparative cases such as Title IX and the NCAA system in the U.S., the Healthy Campus Network and BUCS in Europe, and municipal–university partnerships in Japan, the study provides concrete international benchmarks that can guide Korean policy. This study frames sports as a strategic tool for student mental health and highlights the need for institutional reform in higher education. It contributes originality by linking international models with Korea’s policy gaps and by proposing actionable strategies for sustainable well-being. However, the lack of primary data collection may limit the generalizability of the findings.