The Psychology of Exercise: Integrating Theory and Practice, fourth edition, continues to weave together theory, research, application, and interventions to provide readers with a solid foundation in exercise psychology. In this comprehensive, accessible, book, the authors apply prominent theories and models to actual situations encountered professionally. Compelling graphs, models, other visuals, and effective pedagogical aids further enhance the material. The chapters in Part I help readers understand and modify exercise behavior, while those in Part II discuss psychosocial influences and the consequences of physical activity. Among the topics explored are the impact of exercise on self-perceptions, including self-esteem and body image; stress, anxiety, and depression; and emotional well-being. Chapters on the relationship between physical activity and cognitive function as well as health-related quality of life offer the latest information for these areas of study. Features of the Fourth Edition New streamlined chapter on self-perceptions and exercise, which combines previous chapters on self-esteem and body image. This more logical presentation of related topics makes it easier to teach these topics and better depicts their intersection. Refocused chapter on health-related quality of life and exercise, to include more emphasis on special populations and demonstrate how exercise can benefit those who have chronic diseases, chronic disabilities, or physical limitations. Discussions throughout on mobile devices, apps, social media, and high-tech point-of-decision and how these technologies can be used for tracking and measuring physical activity and for offering social support. Updated references, glossary, and graphics. Special Features of the Book Reader-friendly price Outstanding author team of active researchers with diverse areas of expertise End-of-chapter review questions and learning activities to enhance understanding Connections between theory and application throughout Focus boxes, with additional learning activities, highlighting research on physical activity and populations with chronic disease and disability Standardized questionnaires, including some of the most frequently used measures in exercise psychology research

Why should we exercise? When should we exercise? Why don't we exercise? The Psychology of Exercise separates fact from fiction, delving into key theories, ideas, and the impact of life stages on when, why, and how we exercise. It explores the barriers and motivators to exercise for children, teenagers, adults, and retirees as well as for those living with a chronic health condition. It shows how when we personalise activity programmes, exercise becomes a life-affirming, life-lengthening habit. Using real-life case studies from those who work with exercisers at all levels, The Psychology of Exercise shows us the huge value that comes from exercising in every stage of our lives.

The positive benefits of physical activity for physical and mental health are now widely acknowledged, yet levels of physical inactivity continue to be a major concern throughout the world. Understanding the psychology of physical activity has therefore become an important issue for scientists, health professionals and policy-makers alike as they address the challenge of behaviour change. Psychology of Physical Activity provides comprehensive and in-depth coverage of the fundamentals of exercise psychology, from mental health, to theories of motivation and adherence, and to the design of successful interventions for increasing participation. Now publishing in a fully revised, updated and expanded fourth edition, Psychology of Physical Activity is still the only textbook to offer a full survey of the evidence base for theory and practice in exercise psychology, and the only textbook that explains how to interpret the quality of the research evidence. As the field continues to grow rapidly, the new edition expands the behavioural science content of numerous important topics, including physical activity and cognitive functioning, automatic and affective frameworks for understanding physical activity involvement, new interventions designed to increase physical activity (including use of new technologies), and sedentary behaviour. A full companion website offers useful features to help students and lecturers get the most out of the book during their course, including multiple-choice revision questions, PowerPoint slides and a test bank of additional learning activities. Psychology of Physical Activity is the most authoritative, engaging and up-to-date book on exercise psychology currently available. It is essential reading for all students working in behavioural medicine, as well as the exercise and health sciences.

This new textbook examines the role that social psychology has in the explanation of exercise and sport behaviour. It devotes considerable attention to key social psychological issues within the two disciplines; health-related exercise behaviour and the behaviour of competitive sport participants and the spectators of elite sport. Rather than presenting a broad, superficial overview of diverse areas in exercise and sport, the book focuses on a range of selected topics and provides a comprehensive, in-depth and analytical coverage using social psychology as a framework. It thoroughly examines how social psychological research and intervention has contributed to the understanding of key topics in exercise and sport behaviour including: The social psychology of exercise and health Social cognitive theories of exercise behaviour Exercise and the physical self Eating disorders in exercise and sport Emotion and mood in athletes Social psychology and motivation in sport Group processes in sport Aggression and crowd violence The Social Psychology of Exercise and Sport is key reading for undergraduate and postgraduate students on social or sport psychology courses and on health-related or sports science courses. Illustrated throughout with practical guidelines for researchers and practitioners, it is also a valuable resource for professionals interested in understanding and changing the behaviour of exercise participants and athletes.

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 Psychology is 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.

Features three new chapters on exercise and cognitive function, energy and fatigue, and pain; thoroughly revised chapters on the correlates of exercise, neuroscience, stress, depression, and sleep. Includes a glossary.

Learn how to apply the psychology of health and fitness to your exercise programs and to solve the motivational and behavioral problems you’ll encounter every day in practice. You’ll explore the scientific principles and variables that influence behavior as you develop the confidence to design effective lifestyle interventions for disease prevention and develop individualized exercise programs that promote optimal health.

The world-renowned authorship team of Bonnie G Berger and Robert S Weinberg welcome fellow highly esteemed scholar Robert C. Eklund to this third update of one of the fundamental texts on exercise psychology. In this new edition, the authors expand upon the key concepts and models of the field, focusing on the interrelationships between exercise and psychology. Students moving toward the exercise professions will gain a solid background in key issues surrounding exercise and health and make great strides forward in becoming competent and compassionate practitioners.

Annotation This textbook combines an explanation of the theoretical foundations of sport psychology, critical reviews of contemporary research and practical suggestions for relevant independent research projects.

The second edition of Sport and Exercise Psychology: The Key Concepts offers an updated and expanded A-Z guide to the vocabulary of sport and exercise psychology, to its central theories and most important avenues of research, and to its application in sports performance.