Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal – Vol.5, No.2 Publication Date: Feb. 25, 2018 DoI:10.14738/assrj.52.4000. Nel, K. A., & Tshikovhele, K. L. (2018). The Influence of Exercise on Depression and Psychological Well-Being Amongst Students at a Tertiary Education Campus. Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal, 5(2) 146-153. Copyright © Society for Science and Education, United Kingdom 146 The Influence of Exercise on Depression and Psychological Well- Being Amongst Students at a Tertiary Education Campus. Kathryn A Nel University of Limpopo (Turfloop Campus), Sovenga, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Khodani L Tshikovhele University of Limpopo (Turfloop Campus), Sovenga, Limpopo Province, South Africa. ABSTRACT Research using a cross-sectional survey design was conducted to determine the influence of exercise on the psychological well-being and reported rates of depression on a sample of regular exercisers and non-regular exercisers registered at a previously disadvantaged university in South Africa. Two standardised questionnaires were used to collect data from a purposive sample of 60 (30 regular exercisers and 30 non-regular exercisers), male and female (30 females and 30 males) undergraduate students. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. A Chi Square test was used to find out if there were any significant relationships between the regular exercisers and non- regular exercisers and male and female participants, in terms of depression and psychological well-being. Students who exercised regularly reported a positive psychological well-being while non-regular exercisers showed a more negative psychological well-being. There were no significant differences in reported feelings of depression across the male and female sample of regular and non-regular exercisers. Regular exercisers however, showed more positive psychological well-being than non- exercisers which was a significant result (p=0.001). INTRODUCTION The prescription rates for anti-depressants medication have increased exponentially in the last decade. However, anti-depressants are not always effective and they always have some side- effects. Psychological therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) are available but in Europe waiting lists in state institutions are long [1]. This is mirrored in South Africa where waiting lists are long at state hospitals and the majority of the populace cannot afford private treatment. If depression is mild to moderate physical activity is recommended as an alternative treatment approach. It can be used as a stand-alone treatment or in combination with medication and/or psychological therapy. It has very few side effects, unless the individual has other medical ailments, and does not have the stigma that is attached to taking anti-depressants or attending psychological therapy [1]. However, not everyone agrees that evidence for the benefits of physical activity is effective in treating depression [2]. Exercise improves depressive symptoms when compared with no treatment or a controlled intervention. However, the effect of exercise on clinical depression revealed that the effectiveness of physical activity as a treatment for depression is likely to vary in relation to the severity of the depression [3]. Three trials that compared exercise with anti-depressant medication found no significant difference in the effect of the two treatment approaches [4]. It