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Physical Activity, Psychosocial Aspects, Benefits

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Encyclopedia of Behavioral Medicine
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Definition

Numerous aspects of psychological well-being related to physical activity have been examined using epidemiological, cross-sectional, and experimental research strategies, including depression, anxiety, mood/affect, self-perception, cognitive performance, and quality of life. Moreover, these aspects have been considered in terms of acute bouts of exercise and chronic exercise/physical activity as well as potential underlying mechanisms.

Description

It is well accepted that physical activity (PA) has important and far-reaching benefits for enhanced physical health and reduced risk of premature mortality. However, notable psychological benefits have also been documented in the literature (Buckworth & Dishman, 2002). Recently, increased attention has been drawn to examining the impact of PA on serious mental illnesses (e.g., schizophrenia, substance abuse/dependence, eating disorders) and a call to consider integrating PA programs into mental health services as a means to...

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Correspondence to Rick LaCaille Ph.D. .

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LaCaille, R. (2013). Physical Activity, Psychosocial Aspects, Benefits. In: Gellman, M.D., Turner, J.R. (eds) Encyclopedia of Behavioral Medicine. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-1005-9_1617

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-1005-9_1617

  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4419-1004-2

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