The Oxford Handbook of Exercise Psychology

by Acevedo, Edmund O.

• ISBN13: 9780195394313
• ISBN10: 0195394313
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2012-05-11
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

Awareness of the importance of exercise and physical activity to optimal physical and mental health has never been greater. It is widely acknowledged that physical inactivity is a leading cause of death, yet statistics show less than 50% of Americans participate in regular physical activity. This information highlights the public health challenge of increasing participation in physical activity to enhance physical health and to buoy the psychological benefits associated with physical activity. The Oxford Handbook of Exercise and Psychologyis an authoritative and comprehensive presentation of the breadth and depth of empirical contributions utilizing state-of-the-science theories and approaches in exercise psychology. Chapters are authored by leading investigators across the globe who have made significant scientific contributions addressing the behavioral aspects of physical activity. Sections of the book address the effects of physical activity on mental health; knowledge gathered utilizing psychobiological perspectives; behavioral factors that impact exercise motivation; scientific contributions addressing the physical activity benefits with special populations, including individuals with physical disabilities, older adults and cancer patients; and promising areas for additional investigation. Each chapter presents a summary of scientific advancements in the topic area as a foundation for future investigation. Fueled by a broad range of disciplines and interdisciplinary approaches, the field of exercise psychology is growing, and this comprehensive handbook will be the perfect resource for students, researchers, and physicians interested in exercise motivation and the mental health benefits of physical activity.

Author Biography

Edmund O. Acevedo, Ph.D., is Professor and Chair, Department of Health and Human Performance, Virginia Commonwealth University.

Table of Contents

Context, Issues, and Perspectives in Exercise Psychology

Exercise Psychology: Understanding the Mental Health Benefits of Physical Activity and the Public Health Challenges of Inactivity: Exercise Psychology: Understanding the Mental Health Benefits of Physical Activity and the Public Health Challenges of Inactivity

Physical Activity Epidemiology

Exercise Psychology and Mental Health

The Ultimate Tranquilizer? Exercise and Its Influence on Anxiety

Body Image and Exercise

Physical Activity and Cognitive Function: Theoretical Bases, Mechanisms, and Moderators

Exercise and Health-Related Quality of Life

Physical Activity as a 'stellar' positive psychology intervention

Exercise Psychology and Psychobiological Perspectives

Psychoneuroendocrinology and Physical Activity

Muscle Pain During and Following Exercise

Cardiovascular Health Implications of Combined Mental and Physical Challenge

Psychology of Exercise Motivation

Personality and Physical Activity

Psychosocial Influence

David M. Williams and Bess H. Marcus: Theoretical Approaches to Exercise Promotion

Theoretical Approaches to Physical Activity Intervention

Social Cognitive Models

Exercise is a many-splendored thing but for some it does not feel so splendid: Staging a resurgence of hedonistic ideas in the quest to understand exercise behavior

Exercise Psychology in Special Populations

Exercise Psychology and Physical Disability

Physical Activity and Exercise in Older Adults

Children's Motivation for Involvement in Physical Activity

Exercise Psychology and Children's Intelligence

Cancer Patients

Exercise Psychology: On the Horizon and into the Future

Psychology of Resistance Exercise

Tai Chi as an Alternative Mode of Exercise Activity for Older Adults

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