The Relationship Between Physical Fitness, Healthy Lifestyle, and Mental Health Among Students at SMP Negeri 22 Mataram

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the relationship between physical fitness, healthy lifestyle, and mental health among students at SMP Negeri 22 Mataram in 2025.

Materials and Methods: This study used a quantitative correlational design. The sample consisted of 30 students selected using proportionate stratified random sampling. Physical fitness was measured using the Indonesian Student Fitness Test, while healthy lifestyle and mental health were assessed using questionnaires, including the DASS-21 for mental health indicators. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Shapiro-Wilk normality test, linearity test, multicollinearity test, partial correlation, and multiple correlation analysis with IBM SPSS version 25.

Results: The results showed that most students had moderate physical fitness, moderate healthy lifestyle scores, and moderate levels of mental health problems. Partial correlation analysis showed a significant negative relationship between physical fitness and mental health problems (r = -0.489; p = 0.006). Healthy lifestyle also showed a significant negative relationship with mental health problems. Simultaneous analysis showed that physical fitness and healthy lifestyle were significantly related to students’ mental health, with R = 0.578 and R² = 0.334.

Conclusions: Physical fitness and healthy lifestyle were significantly related to students’ mental health. Better physical fitness and healthier lifestyle habits were associated with lower levels of mental health problems. These findings highlight the importance of school-based physical fitness programs, healthy lifestyle education, and mental health promotion for junior high school students.