Physical Activity, Exercise, and Mental Health

This edited collection delivers contemporary international perspectives on the critical relationship between physical activity, exercise, and mental health, providing essential insights for researchers, practitioners, and stakeholders committed to promoting psychological well-being through movement. Bringing together leading researchers and practitioners in exercise and physical activity psychology, this book covers a wide range of topics, including the effects of physical activity on mood, anxiety, and cognitive function, as well as personal experiences of body image and weight in physical activity contexts. It also explores the promotion of physical activity and exercise around the world, as well as the role of psychology professionals in promoting physical activity. Each chapter features contributions from international experts who examine research implications through diverse cultural and social lenses, offering nuanced insights into how physical activity influences mental well-being across different populations and contexts. Offering a comprehensive and accessible resource on the links between physical activity, exercise and mental health, this is an important volume for students, researchers, and practitioners of exercise and physical activity psychology across the globe.

Yu-Kai Chang is Chair Professor, Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, National Taiwan Normal University, Taiwan. Alessandro Quartiroli is Professor, University of Wisconsin - La Crosse, USA and Visiting Professor, University of Portsmouth, UK.

Acknowledgement List of Contributors Preface About the editors Series Foreword Part One: Exercise Psychology from a Bibliometric Approach Chapter 1. Global Trends and Hotspots of Exercise Psychology: A Bibliometric Analysis from 1988 to 2025 Part Two: Exercise and Mental Health Chapter 2. Physical Activity Moves Me: Affect, Emotion, and Mood in the Context of Physical Activity Chapter 3. Exercise and Anxiety: The Impacts of Yoga Chapter 4. Effect of High-Intensity Interval Training on Executive Function: A Review Part Three: Exercise and Self-Experiences Chapter 5. Physical Activity and Body Image Chapter 6. Weight-Related Stigma in Physical Activity Spaces: Trauma and Demotivation in Higher-Weight Individuals Part Four: Exercise and Specific Topics Chapter 7. The Effect of Physical Activity on Sleep Chapter 8. Optimal Experience in Exercise: A Flow Perspective Chapter 9. Harmonizing Body and Mind: Music-Related Applications for Exercise and Mental Health Part Five: Exercise and Applications around the World Chapter 10. Promoting Mental Health through Physical Activity in Sub-Saharan Africa Chapter 11. Promoting Mental Health through Physical Activity and Sport in Oceania Chapter 12. Promoting Mental Health through Physical Activity & Exercise in Asia Chapter 13. Promoting Mental Health through Physical Activity: Evidence from Greece, Italy and Spain Chapter 14. Promoting Mental Health through Physical Activity in Latino America Athletes Part Six: Becoming an Exercise and Physical Activity Psychology Professional Chapter 15 The Role of Exercise Psychology Practitioners in Promoting Physical Activity: Competence, Training and Practice