University of Limerick

Over 100 psychology students at the University of Limerick have signed up to take part in this year’s Great Limerick Run as part of their coursework. The students are undertaking a Psychology and Social Issues module as part of the single and joint BA and BSc programmes in Psychology which examines the benefits of physical exercise on psychological health.

The students are undertaking a training regime with the help of their coach Irish athlete, Jessie Barr who is also a graduate of the BA Psychology at UL. The module is a year 1 module taken by psychology students, and those in degree programmes where they can elect the module.

Professor Orla Muldoon, Foundation Chair of Psychology, UL said; “Research shows things like regular exercise, a sense of shared identity or connectedness with others and social support can have a big impact on mental health. This initiative is encouraging students to think about participating in these sorts of activities, mostly by considering participating in the Great Limerick Run or alternatively raising money for their running peers. It is hoped this will consolidate their sense of being exercisers and psychologists, help them find new friends and supports within their cohort in UL and also change the norms around exercise for this group, a benefit that will stay with them through their UL careers.

"The initiative aims to encourage students to evaluate the factors that promote or inhibit their own participation in exercise. The students must engage with others in their class during the training and fund raising, the importance of friends, and social support to participation and feelings of wellbeing is a key learning point along the way.

Students are also encouraged to evaluate the link between exercise and mental health which is emphasised during training, lectures and tutorials. Professor Muldoon added; “Exercise is as effective as anti-depressants for the treatment of mild and moderate depression, which is a serious issue in this age group. Students are their own ‘experimental subjects’ or guinea pigs, which means that the exercise, fundraising and reflection on their participation is assessed. The coursework requires them to monitor their health and well-being over the course of their training and submit a written report detailing psychological and physical health gains/losses and insights.”

So far, the project has been a success, Professor Muldoon said; “Things are going really well, we have over 100 students signed up to run including many who have not exercised in many years. Jessie Barr, an Olympic hopeful for London 2012, a former graduate of ours is coaching the class pro bono and we are having a great time - the students’ enthusiasm is infectious.”

The Great limerick Run takes place on the Sunday of the May Bank Holiday weekend this year and will see over 8,000 participants and over 30,000 spectators take to the streets of Limerick. The route of the Great Limerick Run crosses through the University of Limerick campus. www.greatlimerickrun.com