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Published (Version of record)CC BY V4.0, Open Access
Published (Version of record)CC BY V4.0, Open
Journal article
Exploring university students’ perspectives on Tai Chi for stress reduction: A qualitative study
Mental health & prevention, Vol.40, pp.1-10
12/2025
Appears in Recent Faculty of Education Publications
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Abstract
Background: University students often encounter substantial barriers to accessing necessary care for managing mental health challenges. This qualitative study aims to explore university students’ perspectives on Tai Chi as a potential intervention for stress reduction and overall wellbeing enhancement.
Methods: Five focus groups with eighteen university students who reported stress, anxiety, and/or depression were held online between July and December 2023, covering topics related to mental health, perceptions of Tai Chi, and feedback on a proposed Tai Chi-based stress reduction program. An inductive thematic analysis was conducted using NVivo 14.
Results: Three key themes were generated that included: (1) student wellbeing challenges, (2) the perceptions of Tai Chi as a potential resource for coping with demands of being a university student, and (3) enhancing relevance and engagement of students in Tai Chi. Participants highlighted Tai Chi as a promising intervention to address gaps in students’ mental health care, emphasising its potential to enhance and integrate physical and psychological health and foster social connection. However, barriers such as age-related stereotypes and the need for flexible, accessible delivery were noted as crucial to maximising student engagement and participation. The findings will inform the development of a Tai Chi-based stress reduction program.
Conclusions: This study provides valuable insights into how Tai Chi is perceived by university students, which can guide future research in developing tailored mind-body interventions to enhance university students’ mental health and support overall wellbeing.
Details
- Title
- Exploring university students’ perspectives on Tai Chi for stress reduction: A qualitative study
- Creators
- Alexander Aslan - Western Sydney UniversityJanet Conti - Western Sydney UniversityCarolyn Ee - Western Sydney UniversityAshley Liao - Western Sydney UniversityMd Nazmul Huda - South Western Sydney Local Health DistrictMarcus A. Henning - University of AucklandAlbert Yeung - Harvard Medical SchoolByeongsang Oh - University of Sydney Medical School (Australia, NSW)Erin Mackenzie - Western Sydney UniversityGuoyan Yang - Western Sydney University
- Publication Details
- Mental health & prevention, Vol.40, pp.1-10
- Publisher
- Elsevier GmbH
- Identifiers
- 991013328520302368
- Copyright
- © 2025 The Author(s).
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Education
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article