ABSTRACT

The positive benefits of physical activity for physical and mental health are now widely acknowledged, yet levels of physical inactivity continue to be a major concern throughout the world. Understanding the psychology of physical activity has therefore become an important issue for scientists, health professionals and policy-makers alike as they address the challenge of behaviour change. Psychology of Physical Activity provides comprehensive and in-depth coverage of the fundamentals of exercise psychology, from mental health, to theories of motivation and adherence, and to the design of successful interventions for increasing participation.  

Now publishing in a fully revised, updated and expanded fourth edition, Psychology of Physical Activity is still the only textbook to offer a full survey of the evidence base for theory and practice in exercise psychology, and the only textbook that explains how to interpret the quality of the research evidence. As the field continues to grow rapidly, the new edition expands the behavioural science content of numerous important topics, including physical activity and cognitive functioning, automatic and affective frameworks for understanding physical activity involvement, new interventions designed to increase physical activity (including use of new technologies), and sedentary behaviour.

A full companion website offers useful features to help students and lecturers get the most out of the book during their course, including multiple-choice revision questions, PowerPoint slides and a test bank of additional learning activities.

Psychology of Physical Activity is the most authoritative, engaging and up-to-date book on exercise psychology currently available. It is essential reading for all students working in behavioural medicine, as well as the exercise and health sciences.

part Section I|36 pages

Introduction

chapter 1|34 pages

Introduction and Setting the Scene

part Section II|140 pages

Physical Activity and Mental Health

chapter 3|21 pages

Physical Activity and Self-Esteem

chapter 5|29 pages

Physical Activity and Clinical Depression

chapter 6|32 pages

Physical Activity and Other Mental Health Challenges

Anxiety, Schizophrenia and Substance Use Disorders

part Section III|117 pages

Physical Activity Correlates and Theories

chapter 8|37 pages

Common Theories 1

Social Cognitive and Motivational Approaches

chapter 9|24 pages

Common Theories 2

Stage-Based Approaches

chapter 10|26 pages

Automatic and Dual-Process Approaches

part Section IV|102 pages

Physical Activity Behaviour Change

chapter 11|32 pages

Physical Activity Interventions

Planning and Design

part Section V|35 pages

Sedentary Behaviour

chapter 14|33 pages

Psychology of Sedentary Behaviour

part Section VI|28 pages

Conclusions

chapter 15|26 pages

Commentary and Recommendations