Sample Cohort Dataset on Physical and Mental Health in Chinese University Students

The College Student Mental and Physical Health Dataset originates from the Consortium of Mind-body Promotion for Chinese Students, a large-scale longitudinal cohort research initiative jointly launched by the research team of Dr. Gao-Xia Wei at the Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, in collaboration with dozens of universities across China.Formally established in August 2021, the consortium is committed to two major goals:(1) to build a risk prediction model for mental health based on physical parameters such as physical activity levels, fitness status, and body constitution, thereby substantially improving the accuracy of existing psychological models and identifying individuals at risk; and(2) to develop non-pharmacological and exercise-based intervention strategies for mental disorders, establishing personalized physical activity as a scientifically validated approach for both the prevention and treatment of psychological problems among university students.The project seeks to address the coexisting challenges of low physical fitness and high prevalence of mental health issues in the university population by proposing proactive strategies that reduce emotional dysregulation and problematic behaviors, thereby significantly advancing student mental health support services and contributing to the resolution of critical issues in student psychological well-being across China.This sample dataset presents a case sample drawn from the first phase of the project (2021–2024), comprising a total of 175,267 original questionnaire responses. The present dataset includes data from 1,000 university students within the Healthy Lifestyle Cohort, focusing on depression, anxiety, and key health-related behaviors such as physical activity, diet, and sleep. The project adopts a cohort-based longitudinal design, with plans for annual repeated assessments, aiming to systematically elucidate the protective role of physical activity in mitigating the impact of risky lifestyles on emotional health. The dataset will continue to expand through long-term tracking and broader sampling, with the ultimate goal of building a multi-wave, multimodal, and multi-population data platform for monitoring and intervening in student mental health in China. This platform will provide a robust scientific foundation for advancing mental health education in universities and enhancing public health intervention services in the context of contemporary China.