The Psychological Benefits of Exercise and Physical Activity

Examining the link between exercise and mental health, this text unpacks how physical activity shapes depression, anxiety, cognition, memory, pain, and sleep. Rich with research-backed insights, real-world vignettes, and reflective prompts, it offers a thought-provoking guide to optimizing psychological well-being.
In response to the demands of an increasingly complex society, more and more individuals are turning to exercise to promote their psychological well-being. The Psychological Benefits of Exercise and Physical Activity explores the psychological outcomes that are known to be affected by physical activity behaviors. Rooted firmly in foundational science, the text offers opportunities for self-reflection and application, with an emphasis on physical activity recommendations and dose–response relationships supported by research.

Whereas most exercise psychology texts center around psychological theory or interventions, The Psychological Benefits of Exercise and Physical Activity focuses on psychological outcomes, such as the effects on depression and anxiety, as well as the impact on cognitive performance, memory, pain, and sleep. Written by Jennifer L. Etnier, PhD, who previously served as president of the North American Society for the Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity (NASPSPA), the full-color text includes engaging illustrations to help students visualize complex information, and the content is organized to be delivered in a semester-long course.

The introductory chapters (chapters 1-3) set the stage with the history of exercise psychology, theories, and mechanisms proposed to explain research terminology and psychological benefits of exercise. In the remainder of the text (chapters 4-14), each chapter is dedicated to a particular outcome or psychological aspect. Each of these chapters begins with a vignette that provides a real-world example of why questions of exercise and the outcome are important. These chapters uncover the causes of particular psychological conditions and explore how exercise might affect those causes. Next, key research on the potential benefits of exercise for that specific psychological concern is examined. Each chapter closes with a chapter summary and discussion questions.

Throughout the text, sidebars introduce thought-provoking ideas, provide opportunities for self-reflection, or describe interesting research studies that will help engage students. The text also includes learning objectives and key terms to further enhance student learning.

The Psychological Benefits of Exercise and Physical Activity offers students a comprehensive overview of how the mind benefits from physical activity behaviors. It is an essential text for any person interested in motivating others and promoting physical activity for beneficial psychological outcomes.

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