TITLE:
Can Physical Activity Improve Depression, Coping & Motivation to Exercise in Children and Youth Experiencing Challenges to Mental Wellness?
AUTHORS:
Scott Oddie, Denise Fredeen, Brandy Williamson, Drew DeClerck, Sacha Doe, Kelly Moslenko
KEYWORDS:
Physical Activity, Children, Youth, Mental Health, Community, Coping, Depression
JOURNAL NAME:
Psychology,
Vol.5 No.19,
December
17,
2014
ABSTRACT: This study examined the influence of a physical activity (PA) program (Move Your Mood) on children and adolescents receiving services in community mental
health clinics. Participants (N = 35) were referred to the (PA) program by
their mental health therapist. Coaches engaged participants in individual
one-on-one and group activity sessions for eight weeks. Participant heart rates
were monitored during physical activity sessions and designed to achieve
moderate to high intensity. Participants reported significant improvements in
mood immediately following physical activity. Measures of motivation to
exercise, coping, and depression were taken before program participation, at
4-weeks, and at completion of the 8 week program. Results indicate that the PA
program significantly improved child and adolescent ability to cope as well as
their intrinsic motive to exercise. In addition, the PA program significantly
reduced self-reported depressive symptoms. Qualitative analysis indicates that
social supports and enhanced self-efficacy resulting from physical activity
engagement and sessions are key factors associated with program outcomes. The
current study provides evidence to support three key psychosocial theories:
social interaction, distraction hypothesis, and mastery hypothesis.