Interdisciplinary Integration of University Physical Education Courses and Mental Health Education from an International Perspective

Abstract

As global educational reforms gain momentum, the international education landscape is undergoing a profound transformation, shifting from traditional subject-based instruction to interdisciplinary integration. Physical education (PE) and mental health education, as vital components of higher education aimed at promoting the holistic development of students, are emerging as focal points in this transformative process. Interdisciplinary integration between these two domains has increasingly become a frontier issue in international education research and practice. In many developed countries, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, mature theoretical models and practical systems have already been established, yielding notable achievements in talent development. In contrast, Chinese universities remain in the exploratory stage, facing various challenges related to theoretical construction, curriculum design, and implementation pathways. Under these circumstances, it is of great practical and theoretical importance to investigate the integration of PE and mental health education in universities through a global lens. Such inquiry aligns with the global trend of educational modernization and responds to the urgent need for improving the quality and relevance of China’s higher education. Through a comprehensive analysis of the necessity of integration, as well as an exploration of international practices, this study offers a set of feasible strategies aimed at promoting collaborative development between the two domains. The goal is to provide theoretical support and practical guidance for cultivating physically and psychologically healthy university graduates equipped for the challenges of the 21st century.