OUTDOOR RECREATION PARTICIPATION MOTIVES AND MENTAL HEALTH AMONG STUDENTS AT UITM SEREMBAN 3 CAMPUS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55197/qjssh.v7i3.1207Keywords:
outdoor recreation, participation motives, mental health, depression anxiety stress, university studentsAbstract
Mental health challenges, particularly stress, anxiety, and depression, are increasingly prevalent among university students in Malaysia and worldwide. Despite the well-documented benefits of outdoor recreation on psychological well-being, limited research has examined the specific motivational factors that drive university students to engage in such activities and their direct impact on mental health outcomes. This study investigated the relationship between outdoor recreation participation motives and mental health among students of the Faculty of Sports Science and Recreation at Universiti Teknologi MARA Seremban. A quantitative cross-sectional survey design was employed, with data collected from 157 respondents using two validated instruments: the Recreation Experience Preference scale to assess five motive dimensions, namely achievement and stimulation, similar and new people, enjoyment of nature, physical fitness, and escape from pressure; and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales to measure mental health outcomes. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and independent samples t-test. Findings revealed that all five participation motive dimensions were rated highly, with enjoyment of nature emerging as the predominant motivator. While the majority of respondents reported normal stress levels, moderate anxiety and depression were prevalent among nearly half the sample. No statistically significant relationship was found between participation motives and mental health outcomes, and no significant gender difference in mental health status was observed. These findings underscore the need for structured, nature-based mental health programmes within university settings.
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Copyright (c) 2026 MUHAMMAD ZAIRIE HOSMAN, MUHAMMAD WAFI A RAHMAN, MOHAMAD FIRDAUS AHMAD, NUR SYAZWANI ZULAIKHA SAFWAN, NUR HANI SYAZWANI BAKRI, SITI AIDA LAMAT, NUR DALILAH DAHLAN, SHARIFAH MAIMUNAH SYED MUD PUAD
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