Physical activity and mental health : a Maltese perspective

Abstract

This research focuses on the link between physical activity and mental health, with special focus given to the situation in Malta. The intent of this study is to see if physical activity is being used as a therapy tool with persons with mental health problems and to assess if there are any programmes or facilities that people with mental health problems can benefit from. Special focus is also given to young people with mental health problems and their psycho-social development. The research approach adopted in this dissertation includes a qualitative method. Fifteen individuals participated in this study which involved single face to face interviews. The findings from this research provide evidence that physical activity is not being utilized as it should and there are few exercise facilities for people with mental health problems to benefit from. The main conclusions drawn from this study are that there is a great need for physical activity to be given more importance in mental health. Also it is apparent that there needs to be better structures and policies together with allocated resources. This dissertation recommends that Malta needs to better promote the benefits of physical activity amongst people with mental health problems. There is an urgent need to tackle these important issues.