Provides an evidence-based review of the connections between physical activity, mental health, and well-being, presenting research illustrating how the use of physical activity can reduce the impact of potentially debilitating mental health conditions.
Part I: Introduction to Physical Activity and Mental Health
Chapter 1. Relationship Between Physical Activity and Mental Health
Chapter 2. Physical Activity Guidelines and National Population-Based Actions
Chapter 3. Challenges in Measuring Physical Activity in the Context of Mental Health
Part II: Factors Influencing the Interaction Between Mental Health and Physical Activity
Chapter 4. Social Class Relationships in Physical Activity and Mental Health
Chapter 5. Physical Activity and Self-Esteem
Chapter 6. Effects of Overtraining on Well-Being and Mental Health
Chapter 7. Physical Functioning and Mental Health in Older Adults
Chapter 8. Impact of Physical Activity on Mental Health in Long-Term Conditions
Part III: Physical Activity and Mental Health Conditions
Chapter 9. Depression and Anxiety
Chapter 10. Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease
Chapter 11. Schizophrenia
Chapter 12. Addictive Behaviour
Chapter 13. Exercise Dependence, Eating Disorders, and Body Dysmorphia
Epilogue. Recommendations for Research, Policy and Practice
Angela Clow, PhD, is a professor of psychophysiology in the department of psychology at the University of Westminster (London, United Kingdom). She also serves as the head of the department of psychology and leader of the psychophysiology and stress research group. Clow has garnered international acclaim for her research in the biological foundations of mental health. In 2002 she received the National Teaching Fellowship Award.
Sarah Edmunds, PhD, is a research fellow in the department of psychology at the University of Westminster. Edmunds is a BPS-chartered psychologist and HCPC-registered sport and exercise psychologist. She is well regarded as both a researcher and teacher in sport and exercise psychology.