UVic graduate explores link between physical activity and teen mental health

Grace Grant, a recent University of Victoria graduate, has completed research exploring the relationship between physical activity and adolescent mental health. The dancer and kinesiology master's graduate aims to bridge the gap between research and real-world impact to support youth's physical and mental well-being. She presented her findings at UVic's Health Research Day, where she received the Best Presentation award in her session. Grant said the award was incredibly meaningful as it was her first presentation as a graduate student. Grant began her degree unsure of her direction and finished with a thesis exploring how adolescents experience physical activity and how it influences their mental health. She credited the guidance, enthusiasm and unwavering support of her supervisor, Dr. Jean Buckler, with helping her handle the research process. Grant said Buckler helped her engage in meaningful community-based projects.

"Everyone's voice deserves to be heard," Grant said. "Meaningful change happens when we listen to and learn from people with diverse backgrounds and life experiences." She spent much of her time at UVic in the library writing her thesis and diving into research, with many coffee runs to the BiblioCafé. The McKinnon Building was another familiar spot, where she collected and analyzed data and defended her research.

Grant also attended the Canadian Society for Psychomotor Learning and Sport Psychology conference in Prince Edward Island last October. It was her first time attending a conference solo, where she presented her research and connected with researchers from across Canada. She said she made connections that she hopes will last for years. When she needed a break from her studies, Grant enjoyed spending time at the Grad House. She said her experience in UVic's School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education taught her much about the importance of supporting physical and mental health. "The beautiful campus and supportive faculty make it a wonderful place to learn and grow," Grant said. "I felt encouraged, trusted and empowered to pursue my interests, take ownership of my learning and grow both academically and personally."

Grant hopes to continue researching how physical activity can support adolescent mental health through policy development, program design and community engagement. Her goal is to help improve mental health outcomes across Canada and contribute to a more inclusive and compassionate future. "Movement has always been important to me, and I've always wanted to help others feel happy, healthy and connected," she said. Her work comes as mental health among young Canadians remains a focus, with a recent report finding one in three young Canadians use generative AI tools at least once a month for mental health support.

With files from UVic News