ABSTRACT
Physical activity and depression is one of the most extensively researched areas in the psychology of physical activity and exercise. In this chapter we focus on how physical activity relates to clinically diagnosed depression in terms of both prevention and treatment. We define clinical depression and discuss its prevalence. We also discuss findings from systematic reviews of physical activity as a treatment for clinical depression, and critique two studies showing ‘no effect’. A critique of whether or not the evidence shows a causal relationship between exercise and depression is considered. We also note the existence of guidelines about the role of physical activity in the treatment of depression, discuss increasing acknowledgement of the role of physical activity and exercise in alleviating depression, and offer directions for the future.
