Psychology of Physical Activity

Now publishing in a fully revised, updated and expanded fourth edition, Psychology of Physical Activity is the most authoritative, engaging and up-to-date introduction to exercise psychology currently available. It is essential reading for all students working in exercise and health sciences.

Stuart J.H. Biddle is Professor of Physical Activity and Health, and Director of the Centre for Health Research at the University of Southern Queensland, near Brisbane, Australia. Nanette Mutrie is Chair of Physical Activity for Health and Director of the Physical Activity for Health Research Centre at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland. Trish Gorely is Professor of Physical Activity for Health in the Department of Nursing and Midwifery at the University of the Highlands and Islands, Scotland. Guy Faulkner is Chair (Professor) in Applied Public Health and Head of the Population Physical Activity (Pop PA) Lab in the School of Kinesiology at the University of British Columbia, Canada.

Section 1 1. Introduction and Setting the Scene Section 2 2. Physical Activity and Psychological Well-Being 3. Physical Activity and Self-Esteem 4. Physical Activity and Cognitive Functioning 5. Physical Activity and Clinical Depression 6. Physical Activity and Other Mental Health Challenges: Anxiety, Schizophrenia, and Substance Use Disorders 7. Physical Activity Correlates, Determinants, and Barriers Section 3 8. Common Theories 1 - Social Cognitive and Motivational Approaches 9. Common Theories 2 - Stage-Based Approaches 10. Automatic and Dual-Process Approaches Section 4 11. Physical Activity Interventions: Planning and Design 12. Physical Activity Interventions for Young People 13. Physical Activity Interventions for Adults and Older Adults Section 5 14. Psychology of Sedentary Behaviour Section 6 15. Commentary and Recommendations