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Physical Activity as a "Stellar" Positive Psychology Intervention
Abstract
This chapter discusses the origins of the positive psychology movement; the main theoretical areas within positive psychology, such as positive emotions, resilience, and psychological well-being; and how physical activity provides a stellar medium for application of these concepts. Furthermore, the chapter discusses the links between the disciplines of positive psychology and physical activity in relation to interventions for well-being. The chapter concludes with a critical reflection and suggestions for future research.
... Accordingly, as PPIs serve to increase positive states and decrease negative ones, as well as rely on cognitive, behavioural, and affective means to support their success, we, like others, advocate for PA to be included as a PPI as the field has tended to be focused on cognitive and emotional strategies, avoiding the body altogether (Biddle, Mutrie, & Gorely, 2015;Faulkner et al., 2015;Hefferon, Mallery, Gay, & Elliott, 2013;Hefferon & Mutrie, 2012;Mutrie & Faulkner, 2004). We endorse its inclusion and recommend that practitioners working locally in the field of depression consider PA as a contender for its treatment and prevention for the reasons that follow. ...
... In sum, we encourage traditional psychologists to consider the positive, health psychologists to think of mental health and positive psychologists to think of physical health, and embolden all professionals who work with depression to do so collaboratively and with the aim of understanding what works, versus only considering the respective tools at their immediate disposal. Thus, a call for the broader inclusion and integration of all factors that lead to greater wellbeing is repeated here (Hefferon & Mutrie, 2012). We also call on psychology associations in the region to advocate for Middle East Journal of األوسط الشرق مجلة Positive Psychology اإليجابي النفس لعلم the inclusion of PA as a mental health and public health policy agenda (Woods & Mutrie, 2012), where PA is adopted within the recommended guidelines for the prevention and treatment of depression by the relevant health authorities. ...
... Coupled with the actions of the Dubai and Abu Dhabi Sport Councils, UAE Athletics Federation, various sporting clubs and associations, urban planning and transportation departments, municipalities, as well as individual sheikhs, PA in the country is supported through the funding and establishment of national and local teams (cycling, fencing, endurance riding, etc.), development of world-class infrastructure like cycling venues, running paths, outdoor gyms, volleyball and basketball courts, as well as the sponsorship of international and local events. These efforts concurrently generate greater community wellbeing, where it has been suggested that when PA is the norm, communities develop stronger social capital as individuals come together to play, participate, meet, share and make use of resources, including one another, in ways that boost social trust, develop a sense of community, reduce social isolation, and promote human excellence (Faulkner et al., 2015;Hefferon & Mutrie, 2012). ...
The treatment of depression has primarily been tackled through pharmaceuticals and cognitive interventions designed to reduce negative emotional states. This traditional psychology approach has had some success in reducing depressive symptoms but does not offer clients any understanding of how to explicitly achieve a state of wellbeing. In contrast, positive psychology promotes interventions that teach people how to build positive emotional states, as well as decrease negative ones. In this paper, we advocate for physical activity to be included as a positive psychology intervention both to treat and prevent depression as its effectiveness has been documented. We further encourage practitioners to include physical activity in their treatment plan recommendations as it targets many aspects of mental and physical wellbeing and conclude with recommendations for practitioners and policy makers in
... These pathways are not a cookie-cutter approach and may be dictated by the happiness or well-being one wants to pursue, as our individual needs differ from one another. Seligman (2002) expanded upon his research and presented three paths towards happiness, the "pleasant life" which encompasses positive emotions and gratification, the "good life" which includes absorption, engagement, and "flow", which will be discussed in more detail later, and the "meaningful life" that incorporates using one's strengths for the service of others (Hefferon & Mutrie, 2012). Our paper focuses on the "good life" as it is most reflective of sustained engagement. ...
... We examined the pathways to promote well-being through the mechanism of positive interventions. Once we were grounded in how positive interventions work, we expanded upon Hefferon and Mutrie's (2012) assertion that physical activity is a "stellar'' positive intervention. ...
In a world full of options of exercise platforms and modalities for individuals to choose from, what entices people to stick with a particular program? The exercise platform itself? The language the instructors use to motivate participants? Or is it the ability of a participant to choose from a menu of activities that keeps them engaged? To shed light on this topic, we analyzed physical activity as a positive intervention, using Peloton as an exemplar. Our capstone is divided into three parts. In Part I, we introduce positive psychology and the concept of positive interventions as a pathway to well-being and explain how Peloton is a positive intervention. In Part II, we examine the constructs of values, virtues, character strengths, agency, and their relationship to sustained engagement on the path to wellness. Pulling from the work of Lavy and Benish-Wiseman, we explore how character strengths are a pathway from values to positive social outcomes such as sustained engagement with an exercise platform. In Part III, we bring the concepts of Part I and Part II together and make three key observations: (1) Physical activity, with Peloton as an exemplar, is an undervalued yet effective positive intervention that deserves more research and application (2) Language portraying someone’s values and strengths is a powerful tool in facilitating positive alignment in relationships (3) Empowering someone, a Peloton rider for example, with agency to determine how, when and with whom they align is an important part of voluntary sustained engagement.
... Physical Activity is a broad area for research, including a variety of intentions (daily physical activity, active leisure, purposeful exercise, competitive sports) in many different modalities (flexibility, neuromotor, aerobic, anaerobic) and either over a period of time (chronic) or for one specific study (acute). Hefferon and Mutrie (2012) describe Physical Activity as a 'stellar' positive psychology intervention, providing both physical and psychological benefits (Faulkner, Hefferon, and Mutrie 2015). Whilst the mechanisms for exactly how physical activity affects us psychologically are unclear, there is significant evidence to show that it does have a beneficial effect on both hedonic and eudemonic wellbeing (Faulkner, Hefferon, and Mutrie 2015). ...
... For example, respondents demonstrated high level of self-acceptance (with their bodies, with feeling they are doing the best they can to care for their body), autonomy (control of their body; protected workout time; reject societal norms because they no longer suit them); environmental mastery (no longer needed help to lift heavy things, they can control how their body develops), positive relationships (sense of community and reciprocity that is important to them, less need for approval from others, or concern about social gaze which frees them to do more things and develop more relationships) and a sense of purpose in life (feeling they are doing everything they can to care for their bodies, feeling like they are better prepared for getting older), leading to personal growth (developing a non-judgemental attitude to their bodies, the regular setting of and meeting goals, learning that failure is a necessary part of growth, being open to new experiences through feeling more in control and confident). Hefferon and Mutrie (2012) first linked the role of physical activity to enhance the components of psychological wellbeing (PWC; Ryff and Singer 1996), and this study provides further evidence of a specific mode of activity, RT, to enhance this important psychological construct. Future research could delve into the links between PWB theory, PBI and RT in more detail as current findings tend to be focused on more hedonic forms of wellbeing (e.g. ...
Physical activity has been shown to be an ideal intervention for body image and wellbeing, but very little research has focused on the role of resistance training in women, and more specifically, its role in supporting positive body image. The aim of this study was to identify the role of resistance training to positive body image in women, aged 30–55 as an under-represented demographic in this field. A qualitative approach was used and data included semi-structured interviews with 12 women from UK, USA, and New Zealand, analysed in accordance with constructivist grounded theory. The findings proposed a model of how resistance training works to foster self-efficacy and develop positive body image and psychological wellbeing. Themes that emerged included: Social and Environmental Factors, Characteristics of Resistance Training, Consequences of Resistance Training and Wellbeing Benefits. Ultimately, this research creates a springboard for future positive body image research to refine and develop ways to encourage and support more women to experience the benefits resistance training can bring.
... This evidence demonstrates the positive impacts of the body on the mind in physical activity as positive intervention. Shusterman's (2006) work as well as Hefferon and Mutrie's (2012) research represent a new understanding of the mind-body connection, and provide promising evidence of the connection between physical health and mental health and well-being (Biddle & Asare, 2011) as well as academic achievement (Coe, Pivarnik, Womack, Reeves, & Malina, 2012) and cognitive performance (Keeley & Fox, 2009) in adolescents. The complete study of PIs should also seek to advance understanding of the mind-body impact and future PIs ought to consider implementing and combining physical activity. ...
... Mentoring is a framework that provides multidimensional support and structure for the development of positive assets. Participation in physical activity is theorized as an exceptionally effective strategy for increasing the well-being of both individuals and societies (Hefferon & Mutrie, 2012). ...
Education reform and promotion of adolescent positive health (both physical and psychological) are two major public policy issues that can be impacted by direct intervention. The fields of positive psychology and positive youth development offer a theoretical foundation for scientific research as well as pragmatic, evidence-based methods of positive interventions (PIs). Mentoring is a unique intervention method geared towards both promotion and prevention. The Youth Mentoring Partnership’s Friend Fitness Program represents a new PI method with the goal of strengthening character traits in young people through a unique form of physical fitness-based mentoring in which adolescents must persevere through intense “moments of choice.” This paper will present the theoretical foundations of and initial empirical support for the Friend Fitness Program’s efficacy based on a longitudinal assessment. First, the theoretical framework will be presented through a comprehensive literature review on positive youth development, positive interventions, and most notably, an important character trait to foster in youth: grit. Defined as passion and perseverance for the achievement of long-term goals, (Duckworth, Peterson, Matthews, & Kelly, 2007), grit has been identified by the United States Department of Education as a critical factor for success in the 21st century (Shechtman, DeBarger, Dornsife, Rosier, & Yarnall, 2013) as it is found to be directly related to students’ GPA and inversely related to hours spent watching television (Duckworth & Quinn, 2009). Measures for positive youth development (Bowers et al., 2010) and grit (Duckworth et al., 2007) will be explained. Second, this paper will present an on-going study collecting prospective, longitudinal data on positive youth development and grit for Friend Fitness participants. Preliminary findings from this research indicate that participants experienced an overall increase in grit, and that this character trait was related to positive youth development. These are groundbreaking findings that necessitate continued investigation due to their implications on physical, cognitive, social, and behavioral development in adolescence. It is hoped that this study will garner interest for future research on grit interventions and school-based positive psychology initiatives with the goal of supporting students to have higher well-being, school engagement, positive relationships, achievement, and fewer physical health problems such as obesity.
... 129); and the environmental model, pertaining to successful adaptation to one's milieu. These models can all be situated here, as can the diverse health behaviours which impact upon physical wellbeing, like exercise (Hefferon and Mutrie 2012). It is worth emphasising that some models and concepts may not 'fit' precisely within one quadrant, but intersect or overlap more than one quadrant. ...
... In terms of the body as a whole, scholars have begun to explore the complex intersections between physical health/illness and SWB and PWB (Hefferon 2013). From an APP perspective, PPIs focusing on the body include exercise (Hefferon and Mutrie 2012) and dance therapy (Puig et al. 2006). ...
Since its emergence in 1998, positive psychology has flourished. Among its successes is the burgeoning field of applied positive psychology (APP), involving interventions to promote wellbeing. However, the remit of APP is currently unclear. As such, we offer a meta-theoretical conceptual map delineating the terrain that APP might conceivably cover, namely, the Layered Integrated Framework Example model. The model is based on Wilber’s (J Conscious Stud 4(1):71–92, 1997) Integral Framework, which features the four main ontological ‘dimensions’ of the person. We then stratify these dimensions to produce a comprehensive conceptual map of the person, and of the potential areas of application for APP. For example, we deconstruct the collective dimensions of Wilber’s framework using the levels of Bronfenbrenner’s (Am Psychol 32(7):513–531, 1977) experimental ecology. The result is a detailed multidimensional framework which facilitates a comprehensive approach to promoting wellbeing, and which charts a way forward for APP.
... From a positive psychological perspective, physical activity not only reduces negative psychological states, it can produce positive experiences and increase levels of hedonic (pleasure) and eudaimonic (meaning) well-being (Carless 2008, Hefferon and Mutrie 2012, Hefferon, 2011Ekeland et al. 2004;Ekeland et al. 2005;Fox 1997;Fox 2000;Fox and Corbin 1989;Hassmen et al. 2000;Steptoe and Butler 1996). Affective Beneficence (Morgan 1985as cited in Hays 1999 refers to the enhanced levels of positive affect and well-being immediately after chronic and acute activity participation (Biddle and Mutrie 2008). ...
... Positive emotions are the cornerstone of building resilient individuals, enabling them to create social, intellectual, physical and psychological resources they can fall back on during tough times (Fredrickson 2001(Fredrickson , 2009. The lack of focus on activity for the promotion of mental health and well being, rather than the alleviation of mental illness, in addition to the lack of positive psychological measurement tools (Hefferon and Mutrie 2012), are criticisms within the current exercise psychology literature (Carless 2008, Holley et al. 2011. ...
With a growing trend to advocate physical activity as an adjunct to mental health treatment, this study aimed to assess the motivations, expectations and experiences of a 6-week structured physical activity programme, specifically Boxercise, for individuals with mental health difficulties. This study consisted of one pre-intervention focus group (FG) (n = 8) and one post-intervention FG (n = 4), employing inductive thematic analysis to assess the motivations, expectations and experiences of Boxercise. The pre-intervention results yielded three main themes and several subthemes: Gone off track (Loss of physical self, Loss of confident self, endeavour), Social re-integration (Free to ‘Be’) and Class constituents (Wayne, Evoke power). Post-intervention results focused on the actual experience of the programme, including three main themes and several subthemes: Praise of class (A focused challenge, Healthy escape, Camaraderie); Wayne (Superstar status, Proxy efficacy, Wayne's gym) and Path to metamorphosis (Lost and found, Somatopsychic principle in practise, Heightened awareness of health). Overall, the study found positive physical and psychological benefits from the participation in a structured Boxercise programme for people with mental health difficulties. Furthermore, the study found that the unique ‘power’ (boxing) component of the class to be of particular benefit to the participants. Implications for practice and suggestions for future research are discussed.
... The role of the body in wellbeing has gained considerable momentum in the field of positive psychology with the call for more embodied interventions, and an appreciation for the experiential reality of living in a body (Hefferon, 2015). Researchers have called for physical activity as a stellar positive psychological intervention (Hefferon & Mutrie, 2012), have explored the role of eating behaviour and wellbeing (Resch & Tylka, 2019), and the promotion of interventions aimed at improving positive body image (e.g., Ayala & Ramírez, 2018;Hefferon, 2015;Tylka, 2011). A positive psychological framework has also recently been used to explore experiences of embodiment to identify protective factors against disordered eating (Voica et al., 2021). ...
Background/Aims: Positive embodiment describes a positive experience of inhabiting one’s body that previous research has begun exploring with relationship to wellbeing. The positive psychology perspective aims to promote flourishing, beyond the prevention of dysfunction. This study is the first to explore relationships among embodiment, mindful self-care, and psychological wellbeing and to explore which subscales and person-variables (age, income) best predict psychological wellbeing in order to increase our understanding of women’s embodied lives.
Methods: A community sample of women (n = 278; mean age 34.9 ± 11.8 years, age range: 18 to 85 years; 81% Caucasian) completed the Experiences of Embodiment Scale (EES), the Mindful Self-Care Scale (MSCS) and a scale of psychological wellbeing (PWB). Correlation between the EES and MSCS was explored. Relationships between each EES and MSCS and PWB was measured. Multiple linear regression models explored whether age, income, or specific subscales predicted PWB.
Results: Total EES and MSCS scores were moderately positively correlated. Total EES scores were strongly positively correlated with PWB (r(276) = .765, p < .001). Total MSCS scores were moderately positively correlated with PWB (r(276) = .609, p < .001). EES subscales that predicted PWB were Positive Body Connection and Comfort, Agency and Functionality, and Attuned Self-Care; income also was a significant predictor. MSCS subscales that predicted PWB were Supportive Relationships, Self-Compassion and Purpose, Mindful Relaxation, and Supportive Structure; age and income were also significant predictors.
Discussion/Conclusions: Results highlight the importance of embodiment for wellbeing and provide insight for creating interventions and future research.
... Dampak tersebut mencakup meningkatkan kesehatan di tempat kerja, meningkatkan kualitas hidup, membangun hubungan yang sehat di antara semua rekan kerja, mengurangi ketidakhadiran dan meningkatkan kualitas lingkungan kerja pegawai. Physical activity sebagai salah satu metode intervensi yang luar biasa bagus untuk meningkatkan kesejahteraan dan kebahagiaan seseorang (Hefferon & Mutrie, 2012). ...
Prioritizing happiness at work is a phenomenon in every company. In the fast-paced digital era, work demands are getting higher, and workloads are always arriving. This makes companies and employees required to quickly and be ready to adapt. PT X is a BUMN that has a large responsibility and workload related to energy generation and distribution, where this is prone to making employees easily burn out and stressed. To prevent and reduce the impact of high job demands, PT X issued a PerDir to implement a life balance program that aims to increase employee Happiness at Work. PERMA+4 can be used as a framework in compiling programs to increase employee Happiness at Work. The aim is to increase Happiness at Work at PT X so that employees are better prepared to face all changes and are ready to contribute more to PT X. The Research & Development method is used to produce programs that are right on target and test the effectiveness of the program. The results of the research are that the Happiness at Work program with the PERMA framework makes it possible to increase employee happiness at work, where the program is in the form of four types of programs, namely two programs that are carried out in companies, and two programs that can be carried out independently. The subjects of this study were all employees at PT X.Memprioritaskan kebahagiaan dalam bekerja menjadi sebuah fenomena di setiap perusahaan. Di era digital yang serba cepat membuat tuntutan pekerjaan semakin tinggi dan workload yang selalu berdatangan. Hal tersebut membuat perusahaan dan karyawan dituntut untuk secara cepat dan siap beradaptasi. PT X merupakan BUMN yang memiliki tanggung jawab dan beban kerja yang besar terkait pembangkit dan distribusi energi, dimana hal tersebut rentan membuat pegawai menjadi mudah burnout dan stress. Untuk mencegah dan mengurangi dampak dari tuntutan pekerjaan yang tinggi, maka PT X mengeluarkan PerDir untuk menerapkan program keseimbangan hidup yang bertujuan untuk meningkatkan Happiness at Work pegawai. PERMA+4 dapat digunakan sebagai sebuah framework dalam menyusun program untuk meningkatkan Happiness at Work pegawai. Tujuan meningkatkan Happiness at Work pada PT X agar pegawai semakin siap untuk menghadapi segala perubahan dan siap berkontribusi lebih untuk PT X. Metode Research & Development digunakan untuk menghasilkan program-program yang tepat sasaran, dan menguji keefektifan program tersebut. Hasil dari penelitian adalah bahwa program Happiness at Work dengan framework PERMA memungkinkan untuk meningkatkan kebahagiaan pegawai dalam bekerja, dimana program tersebut berupa empat jenis program yaitu dua program yang dilakukan di perusahaan, dan dua program yang dapat dilakukan secara mandiri. Subjek penelitian ini adalah seluruh pegawai pada PT X.
... The two published scales that have operationalized positive embodiment -the Experiences of Embodiment Scale (EES; Piran, Teall, & Counsell, 2020) and the Mindful Self-Care Scale (MSCS; Cook-Cottone & Guyker, 2018) -will be discussed in Within a few years of the designation of positive psychology, critiques characterized the field as a "neck-up focused discipline" (Hefferon, 2015, p.791) that ignored the important role of the body in wellbeing. Instead of an exclusive focus on cognitive and emotional processes, a more embodied approach in positive psychology was argued for (Hefferon, 2015), exercise was advocated for as an ideal PPI (Faulkner, Hefferon, & Mutrie, 2015;Hefferon & Mutrie, 2012), and a textbook on Positive Psychology and the body was written (Hefferon, 2013). The stated aim of the textbook being highlighting copious research on physical mechanisms of wellbeing, with a focus on the body in everyday life, including how we care for, feed, move, and relate to our bodies (Hefferon, 2013. ...
Positive embodiment has emerged from the eating disorder field as a psychological construct describing positive experiences of inhabiting the body. As a positive construct associated with wellbeing, new theories, models, and measures may be of interest to researchers and practitioners in the field of positive psychology. No review to date has presented the literature on positive embodiment to this audience. This interdisciplinary inquiry highlights a shared interest in the promotion of wellbeing and the building of protective resources bridging positive psychology and disordered eating prevention. A systematic literature search of six databases was performed (APA PsychINFO, Science Direct, Scopus, CINAHL, Academic Search Complete, and SportDiscus) and empirical research is presented with attention paid to wellbeing concepts and opportunities for further research. This literature search located two measurement tools that operationalize positive embodiment which are explored along with their conceptual roots and underlying theories. This review incorporates quantitative and qualitative studies, and explores concepts across identified studies. Positive embodiment offers further understanding of the role of the body in wellbeing and nuance to the interconnections of concepts frequently viewed as separate, such as eating and exercise behaviour, agency and empowerment, self-concept and body image. Implications for integration in current positive psychology interventions are discussed, along with limitations of current knowledge and future research potential. As a narrative review, the subjective nature of inquiry is acknowledged and this project humbly intends to provide a landscape perspective of an emergent topic area in order to inform future research, practice, and policy possibilities. In conclusion, while research on positive embodiment is still emerging and more research is necessary to generalize, connections to wellbeing have been found, new measurement tools provide opportunities for further study, and practitioners may gain a greater appreciation for the role of the body in wellbeing.
... This multi-dimensional model has frequently been used to inform resilience programmes (see Challen et al., 2014;Griffith & West, 2013;Reivich et al., 2011). There has, however, been an evolving recognition that a sixth element, health, is also required, reflecting the development of positive psychology to encompass the body as a whole (Hefferon & Mutrie, 2012). ...
In the current climate of Covid-19 and world-wide social distancing, the mental health toll has been widely reported, with an expectation that the negative impact will last beyond the lockdowns. Facing the prospect of an unknown future and continuing challenges, resilience is both topical and necessary. With a call for digitally delivered interventions to help people affected by the pandemic, this study explores how playing an online positive psychology-informed board game supported people to recognise resources for resilience. Sixteen multi-national participants played in groups of 3–4 and qualitative data, collected via focus groups, was analysed using Thematic Analysis. Participants described a broadening of resources, primarily through reflecting on and remembering prior strategies and successes. Four themes are identified which, it is suggested, facilitated this in a sequential, upward spiral; the game mechanisms (release), psychological safety (reflect), meaningful conversations (remember) and anchoring of prior experiences (reuse). Critically, this study suggests that psychological safety may have been amplified by the online environment, which participants suggested enabled them to engage without interruption or inhibition. Additionally, whilst not part of the original intervention, the post-game reflection played an essential role in meaning-making and transferring learning into real-life. Future research into how online environments might not just facilitate but augment interventions is recommended. Finally, this study calls for further research into the impact of playful positive psychology interventions, suggesting a potential development of ‘serious play’ towards ‘seriously positive play’.
... For example, one study discovered a positive relationship between body awareness and subjective wellbeing within a general population (Brani et al., 2014). Another study revealed that physical activity is a positive method of intervening to promote well-being (Hefferon & Mutrie, 2012). And finally, a third study claimed that embodiment increases psychological and emotional strength via the building of physical strength (Faulkner et al., 2014). ...
Background/Aims/Objectives: In this mixed-methods research, we examined several psychology practices for their importance, usefulness, and potential to impact overall well-being during a worldwide pandemic (COVID-19). Participants were given a choice to practice Resilience, Empathy, Flow, Relationships, Appreciation, Meaning, or Embodiment; interventions symbolized by the word REFRAME.
... However, neither of the interventions led to significant short-term or long-term effects on my emotional and cognitive wellbeing. Therefore, I would recommend researchers to study the effects of less orthodox but very promising PP interventions like physical exercise (Hefferon & Mutrie, 2012) or Laughies (Gonot-Schoupinsky & Garip, 2019) on outcomes which would represent both hedonic and eudemonic aspects of wellbeing (Martela & Sheldon, 2019). The results of such studies would allow practitioners of PP to expand their toolset with more diverse but still empirically sound interventions and provide more reliable, effective, and engaging services to their clients. ...
Recently, I have developed chronic pharyngitis, a physical disease linked to emotional distress (Renner et al., 2012). The illness has been negatively affecting my mood (emotional wellbeing) and attitude towards life (cognitive wellbeing). According to Ghosh & Deb (2017), there has been a growing interest in the application of positive psychology interventions for people with chronic physical illnesses. Therefore, the goal of this portfolio was to discuss the effects of two empirically validated interventions on my hedonic or subjective wellbeing. In order to improve my mood, I used the Three Funny Things (Gander et al., 2012), while to improve my attitude towards life, I picked the Gratitude Visit (Seligman et al., 2005). For pre- and post-measurements, I chose two valid and reliable scales: PANAS (Watson et al., 1988) and SWLS (Diener et al., 1985). It has been shown that the same or similar interventions increase positive affect, reduce negative affect, and lead to higher life satisfaction (Toepfer et al., 2011; Rahm & Heise, 2019). Furthermore, the nature of the interventions sat well with my personality, which was necessary for enhancing their potential effectiveness (Fritz & Lyubomirsky, 2018).
... All the teachers were keen to improve their physical health and financial well-being, but they were uncertain of how to do this. Physical activity has the capacity to prevent mental illness, to foster positive emotions, and to buffer individuals against the stresses of life (Hefferon & Mutrie, 2012). Although the lead author could not source a PPA that related directly to physical health, the link between well-being and health is documented (Austin, Saklofske & Egan, 2005). ...
... Long recognized as a contributor to physical and psychological wellbeing (Ekkekakis, 2013) and also considered a positive psychology strategy (Faulkner, Hefferon, & Mutrie, 2015;Hefferon & Mutrie, 2012;Lambert, D'Cruz, Schlatter, & Barron, 2016), PA confers multiple benefits. Studies report positive mood induction, minimization of workplace stress (Hyde, Conroy, Pincus, & Ram, 2011;Josefsson, Lindwall, & Archer, 2014;Schneider & Graham, 2009), anxiety, negative emotions (Bhui, 2002;Johansson, Hassmén, & Jouper, 2011;Nguyen-Michel, Unger, Hamilton, & Spruijt-Metz, 2006) and insomnia (Al-Eisa, Buragadda, & Melam, 2014). ...
Traditional health promotion efforts focus on reducing factors that contribute to ill-health, such as sedentary behavior or smoking. Yet, this focus on negative or deficit behaviors overlooks those who engage in positive health activities and their reasons for doing so, as well as the positive health assets they gain as a result. Focusing on the absence of health promoting attitudes does little to shed light on why and how individuals successfully build states of good health and wellbeing. However, this information is useful for the development of health promotion initiatives. Consequently, this study investigates the experiences of ten physically active Emirati nationals and the psychosocial assets they have developed through their various activities. We also explore the relevancy of positive psychology and of positive health in particular, for health promotion efforts.
... From this view, exercise can be a motivator to increase well-being across many domains (Faulkner et al., 2015). Hefferon and Mutrie (2012) suggest that physical activity is a form of a PI. Utilizing ...
Many individuals wish to change, but struggle to act. The field of positive psychology has advanced the study of well-being, identifying interventions and measurements to enhance the experience of positive emotion and human flourishing. However, identifying pathways to initiate and sustain engagement with these resources remains a critical need for individuals and communities to implement the science of well-being effectively. The following exploratory study examines the user experience of Peloton, an at-home exercise bike that live streams class content, as an opportunity to identify the pathways that initiate and sustain engagement in positive behavior change. A self-report survey of 104 Peloton users is analyzed using Grounded Theory along with a literature review of positive psychology, and performance psychology. Through the analysis, the PERMA well-being framework (Seligman, 2011) and hope (Snyder, 1994) emerge as key theories to facilitate pathways to initiate and sustain users in activity that enhances well-being. A framework and discussion for future directions is proposed emphasizing convenience and pathways of synchronous and asynchronous agency and connection.
... All the teachers were keen to improve their physical health and financial well-being, but they were uncertain of how to do this. Physical activity has the capacity to prevent mental illness, to foster positive emotions, and to buffer individuals against the stresses of life (Hefferon & Mutrie, 2012). Although the lead author could not source a PPA that related directly to physical health, the link between well-being and health is documented (Austin, Saklofske & Egan, 2005). ...
Teachers, specifically those who work in under-resourced contexts, face many challenges within their workplace that negatively affect their experiences of well-being. Although research indicates that if teacher well-being improves, a more enabling climate for teaching and learning is created, little support is available for teachers in this regard. The aim of this study was to work collaboratively with teachers to help them find ways to improve their experiences of well-being. Following a participatory action learning and action research (PALAR) design, 6 teachers in a rural primary school met as an action learning set over a period of 6 weeks to reflect on their learning about how to improve their experiences of well-being. The findings indicate that frequent, informal social contact with colleagues, coupled with explicit action to focus on positive emotions, could improve teachers' experiences of well-being. The PALAR design afforded the structure for this to happen. This study offers insight into how a collaborative action learning process could help to enhance teachers' ability to improve and sustain their experiences of well-being.
... La práctica de la lucha leonesa, igual que en otros deportes de combate, o en realidad en el deporte en general, evidentemente tiene efectos positivos para la salud, ayuda a los participantes a ganar fuerza física y mental, enseña autodisciplina, modela el carácter, aumenta la autoestima 18,19 . Sin embargo, los deportes también tienen efectos Tabla 3 Estimación de los parámetros del modelo mixto lineal generalizado para todos los tipos de lesiones, y para lesiones severas y moderadas ...
... The practice of Leonese wrestling, just like other combat sports or indeed sports in general, has obvious positive effects on health, helps participants gain physical and mental strength, teaches self-discipline, moulds the character and increases self-esteem. 18,19 However, sports also have negative effects upon the health of participants to which attention should be paid, particularly in combat sports, which show higher injury rates as compared with other sports disciplines. 11,20 Among Olympic sports and during Olympic Games, combat sports such as judo and wrestling lie in the intermediate to high zone in respect of the proportion of participants injured, whilst taekwondo comes either first or second. ...
Introduction
Traditional wrestling is considered a cultural heritage of humanity and it should be protected. The study of injuries and their associated factors can be useful to protect this heritage. The present study has as its aim an analysis of the incidence of injuries and the associated factors in competition of a traditional wrestling modality, “Leonese wrestling” (LW).
Material and methods
Observational, prospective cohort study that collected injuries during the summer seasons from 2005 through 2015. Incidence rates of injuries were calculated by 1000 athlete exposures (AEs) and as a function of age at initiation in LW, mid-season age, regularity or those who participated in the competitions of each season, winner type, and weight category. At the multivariate level, a generalized linear mixed model was used assuming the frequency of the injuries followed a Poisson distribution.
Results
A total of 308 wrestlers and 406 injuries were reported in 31,970 AEs. The incidence of injuries per 1000 AES was 3.0 (serious), 6.7 (moderate and serious) and 12.7 (total injuries registered). Higher incidence was observed among those who: were no regulars (IRR = 1.076; CI: 0.846–1.368), were considered non-winner type and started as teenager vs child (IRR = 1.115; CI: 0.856–1.452). Non-winner type wrestlers were at much higher risk of injuries in the semi heavy and heavy weight categories.
Conclusions
The incidence of injuries in LW is consistent with that incidence expected in combat sports. Showing a low regularity, having started late in their practice, showing a non-winning profile and competing in the heavy weight category are injury risk factors for LW wrestlers.
... Thus, these are at the intersection of PP and branches of psychology focusing on health, organisational behaviour, and relationships. To commence, we have a classic work on the psychological benefits of physical activity, as we strongly feel that this should be considered a PPI (see Hefferon & Mutrie, 2012; Faulkner, Hefferon, & Mutrie, 2015 ). Despite decades of research showing the wellbeing benefits of physical activity, it was really only with Blumenthal et al. (1999) that the research world took notice. ...
... The FS and SPANE were developed to complement existing wellbeing measures; the former is a measure of psychological flourishing or eudaimonic well-being [9,10], and the latter is a measure to assess positive and negative experiences related to feelings of well-being and ill-being. Both scales have already been translated into several languages [11][12][13], including Japanese (the Japanese versions of the FS and SPANE are the FS-J and the SPANE-J, see Appendix) [13], and they have been described in several books [10,[14][15][16][17]. One of these advantages of the scales over other well-being measures is that they are brief and easily comprehensible. ...
The Flourishing Scale (FS) and the Scale of Positive and Negative Experience (SPANE) are reliable, valid instruments used to assess aspects of well-being such as psychological flourishing and positive and negative feelings. The Japanese versions of these scales (FS-J and SPANE-J) have been shown to have adequate internal consistency and construct validity. Test-retest reliability of the Japanese versions, however, has not yet been assessed. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the test-retest reliability of the Japanese versions. The temporal stability of the factor structure of the Japanese versions was also evaluated. The FS-J and SPANE-J data were collected from 336 Japanese college students in two sessions conducted one month apart. The participants completed the Japanese versions in both sessions. The results indicated acceptable test-retest reliability for the FS-J (0.87) and SPANE-J (0.57-0.60). Simultaneous confirmatory factor analysis supported the temporal stability of the hypothesized factor structures for the Japanese versions over the one-month interval.
... Even though I had done it before, it had took on more significance for me." (Sarah) Hefferon and Mutrie (2012) hailed exercise as a "stellar" positive psychology intervention for not only normal but clinical populations. As the importance of health and activity was present in both the IG and CG groups, it could be argued that activity can be a universally adopted mode of controlled activity that enhances individual's awareness of health. ...
st , 2012; revised November 5 th , 2012; accepted November 29 th , 2012 Objective: Posttraumatic growth (PTG) is the phenomenon of surpassing levels of functioning than which existed before a traumatic event occurred. The objective of this study was to assess how the body may have had an influence on the facilitation, and as an outcome, of PTG. Methods: 83 female breast cancer survivors, 5 years post cancer diagnosis, were interviewed on their long-term experience of physical activity engagement. Inductive thematic analysis was used in order to ascertain whether or not there were any serendipitous expressions of posttraumatic growth. Results: 24% (n = 20) of the study mentioned experiencing some form of PTG, including both generic and corporeal specific domains. Of those that reported PTG, 70% were from the original physical activity intervention group indicating potential links between activity participation during cancer treatment and long term PTG. Discussion: The results support the theoretical viewpoint that recovery from physical illness may have a unique PTG journey in comparison to more cognitive/external sources of trauma. Conclusions: This is the first study to qualitatively collect longitudinal data from a large and unique sample on the experience of PTG following breast cancer survivorship. Furthermore, the author has coined this new addition of a more embodied experience of PTG, the theory of ‘Corporeal Posttraumatic Growth’ and presents suggestions for future research.
This study examines the relationship between athlete mental health continuity and psychological adjustment. The Psychological Adjustment and Athlete Mental Health Continuity scales were employed, and a total of 400 participants, comprising 147 females and 253 males, volunteered. The factor structures of the scales were tested using IBM AMOS 24, and the study's hypothesis was examined using IBM SPSS 24. The effect sizes of independent variables on dependent variables were assessed using "Cohen's d". The results of Pearson correlation analysis indicate a positive and statistically significant relationship between psychological adjustment and athlete mental health continuity (r = .209, p < .01). This finding suggests that an increase in psychological adjustment is associated with an increase in athlete mental health continuity. Consequently, it can be stated that psychological adjustment positively contributes to individuals' mental health continuity. This finding underscores the significance of regular exercise in psychological resilience and is consistent with the results of similar studies in the literature.
Objetivo: Definir conceitos, analisar e relacionar artigos sobre a Paixão e a Teoria da Autodeterminação (TAD) - como componentes da Psicologia Positiva - no esporte. Método: Foram coletados artigos utilizando a base de dados “Periódicos Capes”, além de materiais de posse das próprias autoras, como textos e livros, que incluíam uma ou mais das seguintes temáticas: Teoria da Autodeterminação e/ou Motivação, Paixão, Esporte e Atividade Física. Resultados e discussão: Foram incluídos 2 livros, 2 capítulos de livros, 19 artigos e uma dissertação de Mestrado, que atendiam o critério das autoras de contribuir na conceituação de terminologias e na integração das áreas pesquisadas. Com a leitura dos textos, foi possível discutir, analisar e relacionar a teoria da autodeterminação, a motivação e a paixão no contexto esportivo. Apesar de ter sido possível a construção de vínculos entre a Psicologia Positiva e a Psicologia do Esporte, evidenciam-se limitações nesta área de estudos devido à escassa bibliografia existente. Conclusão: A paixão para o esporte, como variável psicológica, foi definida pela Teoria da Autodeterminação como elemento de caráter motivacional intrínseco. Sendo a inclinação que um indivíduo tem por determinada atividade esportiva, na qual despende tempo de dedicação, a paixão tem função identitária e, por isso, é capaz de diferenciar praticantes esportivos em gênero, experiência e nível competitivo. O caráter da paixão, harmoniosa ou obsessiva, refere-se a como uma atividade esportiva é internalizada, de forma que, mesmo sendo um elemento de interesse dos indivíduos, pode contribuir tanto de forma positiva, como negativa. Após uma conceituação detalhada e a consideração dos artigos que interligam as temáticas da Psicologia com os esportes, concluímos que os conceitos da Psicologia Positiva se constituem como bases para a compreensão dos aspectos psicológicos de praticantes de atividades físicas, visto que estes são ambientes de estimulação mental e emocional.
Bu araştırmanın amacı; spor yapan ve yapmayan üniversite öğrencilerinin psikolojik iyi oluş profillerinin bazı değişkenler açısından incelenmesidir. Araştırmada genel tarama modeli kullanılmıştır ve araştırma grubunu, 18-26 yaş aralığında bulunan Ankara ilindeki devlet üniversitelerinde öğrenim gören ve kolay ulaşılabilir örneklem yoluyla belirlenen toplam 381 öğrenci oluşturmaktadır. Araştırmada verilerin toplanmasında Seligman’ın geliştirdiği PERMA ölçme aracının Türkçeye uyarlanmış formu ve kişisel bilgiler formu kullanılmıştır. Araştırmanın amaçları doğrultusunda, PERMA ölçeğine verilen cevaplardan toplanan verilerin analizinde, demografik değişkenler arasındaki farkları belirlemek için T-Testi, ilişkileri belirlemek için ise Pearson Momentler Çarpımı Korelasyon analizi kullanılmıştır ve anlamlılık 0,05 düzeyinde test edilmiştir. Araştırma kapsamında öne çıkan bulgular değerlendirildiğinde üniversite öğrencilerinin düzenli spora katılımlarının psikolojik iyi oluşun tüm parametrelerini olumlu yönde etkilediği sonucuna ulaşılmış olup lisans eğitimlerini spor bilimleri fakültesinde sürdüren öğrencilerin iyi oluş düzeylerinin bu sonuca paralel bir görünümde olduğu belirlenmiştir.
This is the tenth article in a series that explores the meaning of positive psychology and the importance of applying the latest related research findings, for the wellbeing of the mental health workforce. It will focus on the innovative I-Flourishing and Languishing Opportunities Wheel (I-FLOW) model, which can be applied to mental health nursing from a different perspective to many other frameworks. It positions realistic optimism and flow at its epicentre, suggesting that these are in a constant dynamic state of homeostatic balance. It recognises that wellbeing can be a combination of managing positive and negative feelings, thoughts and behaviours and that this is central to successful navigation of our life experiences. This article will frame the historical context of the model's development as a multi-dimensional concept through a range of positive psychology theorists and their respective frameworks. Finally, it encourages the reader to consider how the application of I-FLOW could be of benefit to them, through increased self-awareness and feedback. The practical tasks provided in the boxes throughout the article will help the reader identify what flourishing and wellbeing means to them and understand how to further develop its transferability through evidence-based, user-friendly exercises.
Studies have shown the role of exercise in promoting mental health and fostering positive emotions. This study proposes the assessment of the psychometric properties of the Reasons for Exercise Inventory (REI). A sample of 206 physical exercise practitioners (mean age 27.31 years ± 8.01, 50% women) answered the instruments. The fit indices of different measurement models employed for the REI in the literature were compared through Confirmatory Factor Analysis. Reliability and its correlation with the state of mindfulness during exercise were estimated. The results indicated a better fit for the model composed of seven factors (reasons for exercise): weight control, fitness, mood, health, attractiveness, enjoyment and tone, all with good reliability indicators. Moderate positive associations between mindfulness indicators and intrinsic reasons for exercise: mood and enjoyment were observed. It was concluded that the Brazilian version of the REI is an adequate measure of the reasons for exercise, corresponding to the original version.
Lack of access to specialized treatment, stigma against mental health services, and poor cost effectiveness hamper the current high-risk approaches to suicide prevention that have dominated suicidology research and clinical intervention. We discuss health promotion as a low-cost, universal treatment that encourages personal growth and well-being, and which can be implemented at both the individual level and proscriptively by healthcare providers in primary care. Previous research suggests that health-related quality of life, which can be improved through strategies such as exercise, nutrition, reductions in stress and substance abuse, and behavioral activation, is related to less suicide risk. Improved mood, better overall well-being, and less psychopathology are additional beneficial outcomes of such health-related efforts. We discuss an array of empirically supported health promotion strategies that can be implemented in primary care and other healthcare settings, or at home, to prevent suicide. Future research and clinical work are needed to better understand, develop, and integrate health-related strategies into both individual and community level suicide prevention strategies, including proactive approaches.
As positive psychology has matured as a field, among its most prominent successes has been the emergence of a strong applied dimension, known as applied positive psychology. This burgeoning arena of praxis has involved the development of interventions and activities designed to promote well-being. This chapter offers an overview of these efforts, which are organized here according to a multidimensional meta-theoretical framework known as the LIFE (Layered Integrated Framework Example) model. This framework features the four main ontological “dimensions” of the person (mind, body, culture, and society), each of which is stratified into five levels. The model provides a comprehensive map of the person, and of their well-being, allowing us to situate and appreciate the range of interventions and strategies that have been developed within APP.
The Move2Love program demonstrates the feasibility of establishing community-based programs involving dance and exercise to support physical and social well-being in older women. The social fitness program has been running continuously for 23 years. It currently involves 125 to 175 women between the ages of 54 and 94 in weekly rhythmic training sessions. In addition to meeting the initial goals of addiction avoidance in an at-risk population, this program has contributed to the well-being of participants, both by lowering disease burden, and by increasing physical, social, and psychological fitness. This article describes the program and explores the reasons that it has continued to work for over two decades. It also demonstrates the value experienced by participants in their own words. The Move2Love program could serve as a feasibility pilot for other communities wishing to create sustainable, salutary activity programming to enhance the well-being of senior women.
Background: Pedometers are popular devices that measure walking steps. There has been a recent surge in promoting the pedometer as a motivational tool to increase walking. However, little empirical evidence exists to support this suggestion. Objective: To examine the effectiveness of a pedometer as a motivational tool to increase walking. Methods: 50 participants (7 men and 43 women, mean age (SD) 40.16 (8.81) years, range 25-61 years) were randomly assigned to either an intervention group who followed a four-week walking programme with goals set in steps (using an open pedometer for feedback) or a comparison group who followed an equivalent four-week walking programme with goals set in minutes. Participants had step-counts recorded at baseline, weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, and at weeks 16 and 52 for follow-up. Results: Both groups significantly increased stepcounts from baseline to week 4 with no significant difference between groups. However, a significantly greater number of participants in the intervention group (77%) compared with the comparison group (54%) achieved their week 4 goals (p=0.03). There was no significant change in step-counts from week 4 to week 16. There was a significant decrease from week 16 to week 52. Conclusion: In the short term, both goals set in minutes and goals set in steps using a pedometer may be effective at promoting walking. In the long term, additional support may be required to sustain increases in walking.
This article explores the common ground between positive and humanistic psychology and responds to positive psychology’s challenges to humanistic psychology about research and a concern for social values. It begins with a brief review of the humanistic psychology movement and shows how its many developments in fact constitute a “positive psychology.” Next, the article moves into an exploration of the unique research approaches and areas of study dictated by the primacy in humanistic psychology of human experience. The article shows how positive psychology can gain from recognizing the merit of experiential, process-oriented research methodologies. The article concludes by highlighting the ways that the new emphasis on happiness and optimal experience promoted by research psychologists not only affirms humanistic psychology’s principles but also serves to reinforce some of the positive directions long practiced by experiential, existential, somatic, and spiritually oriented psychotherapies.
The relation between leisure and well-being, including happiness and self-concept, was examined in 375 children aged 8-12 years. Active leisure (e.g. physical activity) was positively correlated with well-being. Passive leisure (e.g. television and video games) was negatively correlated with well-being. Aspects of active leisure (e.g. the importance of sport to the child and how sports made the child feel) as judged by both parents and children accounted for unique variance in children's wellbeing; passive leisure did not. Similar to previous research on adolescents and adults, active leisure activities were related to children's well-being.
This study examined the relationship of purposiveness, defined as maintaining purpose in life and a sense of personal growth, with physical activity and perceived health in a sample of cardiac outpatients.
Participants were 130 outpatients recruited through medical settings serving cardiac patients in a southwestern US community. Participants had an average age of 60 years (SD 12.37). Participants responded to a structured questionnaire at the medical setting. The hypothesized mediational model was tested using Latent Variable Structural Equations Analysis (LISREL) 8.
As hypothesized, the results of a LISREL analysis showed that a sense of purposiveness predicted more positive perceived health. Further, as predicted, this relation was mediated by physical activity. Purposiveness was linked to more physical activity, and a high level of physical activity, in turn, predicted better perceived health. A two-group LISREL analysis indicated that the model was equally valid for both sexes.
The present results underscore the importance in cardiac rehabilitation of the continued study of factors that foster meaning in life, including a sense of purpose and individual growth, and of their potential to promote recovery of cardiac patients.
The trends in mortality from coronary heart disease in the 1970s and the differences in trends between counties within Finland were calculated from official mortality statistics among the population aged 35 to 64 years. During this period coronary mortality declined by a mean of 1.1% for men and 2.3% for women annually in the whole of Finland. A community based cardiovascular control programme was started in 1972 in North Karelia, a county in the east of Finland. The decline in coronary mortality in this county between 1969 and 1979 was 24% in men and 51% in women. The decline in the rest of Finland over the same period was 12% in men and 24% in women. The decline in North Karelia was greater than that in other counties of Finland for both men and women and that difference exceeded random variation, with over 95% likelihood for both sexes. Even with adjustment for rates before 1974 with cross-county multiple regression analyses the difference persisted. Although further studies are needed, the changes in coronary mortality in North Karelia suggest that the preventive programme has been effective.
This paper presents a review of the qualitative literature which examines the experiences of patients with coronary heart disease. The paper also assesses whether the experiences of both female and male patients are reflected in the literature and summarizes key themes.
Understanding patients' experiences of their illness is important for coronary heart disease prevention and education. Qualitative methods are particularly suited to eliciting patients' detailed understandings and perceptions of illness. As much previous research has been 'gender neutral', this review pays particular attention to gender.
Published papers from 60 qualitative studies were identified for the review through searches in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PREMEDLINE, PsychINFO, Social Sciences Citation Index and Web of Science using keywords related to coronary heart disease.
Early qualitative studies of patients with coronary heart disease were conducted almost exclusively with men, and tended to generalize from 'male' experience to 'human' experience. By the late 1990s this pattern had changed, with the majority of studies including women and many being conducted with solely female samples. However, many studies that include both male and female coronary heart disease patients still do not have a specific gender focus. Key themes in the literature include interpreting symptoms and seeking help, belief about coronary 'candidates' and relationships with health professionals. The influence of social roles is important: many female patients have difficulties reconciling family responsibilities and medical advice, while male patients worry about being absent from work.
There is a need for studies that compare the experiences of men and women. There is also an urgent need for work that takes masculinity and gender roles into account when exploring the experiences of men with coronary heart disease.
A model for systematic changes in patterns of inter-individual variation in affective responses to physical activity of varying intensities is presented, as a conceptual alternative to the search for a global dose-response curve. It is theorized that trends towards universality will emerge in response to activities that are either generally adaptive, such as moderate walking, or generally maladaptive, such as strenuous running that requires anaerobic metabolism and precludes the maintenance of a physiological steady state. At the former intensity the dominant response will be pleasure, whereas at the latter intensity the dominant response will be displeasure. In contrast, affective responses will be highly variable, involving pleasure or displeasure, when the intensity of physical activity approximates the transition from aerobic to anaerobic metabolism, since activity performed at this intensity entails a trade-off between benefits and risks. Preliminary evidence in support of this model is presented, based on a reanalysis of data from a series of studies.
Positive psychology looks at areas like well-being and fulfillment. While the larger question of optimal human functioning is hardly new, positive psychology offers a common language on this subject to professionals working in a variety of subdisciplines and practices. Applicable in many settings and relevant for individuals, groups, organizations, communities, and societies, positive psychology is a genuinely integrative approach to professional practice. This chapter examines how physical activity acts to promote positive psychology in motion.
Recently more men have reported a desire for larger, more muscular bodies. Muscle dysmorphia (MD) is a new syndrome in which individuals (usually men), although highly muscular, have a pathological belief that they are of very small musculature. As more men are motivated to take up training with weights in order to develop greater musculature, more cases of MD are likely to be encountered. A greater understanding and awareness of the syndrome are therefore needed. Therefore the aim of this study was to investigate perceptions of physical self in male weightlifters, one group with MD (n = 24) and one without (n = 30). Between group comparisons were made using the multidimensional body-self relations questionnaire. The findings confirm the nature of the disorder in that those with MD syndrome have poorer body image and are less happy with their bodies. Moreover, in addition to a desire for greater muscularity, they are very concerned not to gain fat. The results also suggest that future research into perceptions of specific body parts and health is warranted.
Post-traumatic growth (PTG) is the phenomenon of positive change through the experience of trauma and has been linked recently to the participation in group based therapies. The aim of this study was the explorative documentation of the experience of PTG among breast cancer patients and the role, if any, that a group based physical activity intervention had in the attainment of growth. Ten female breast cancer survivors, from an already existing study, participated in an individual, open-ended interview. Employing interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA), interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed for themes that reflected the women's experience of growing from adversity. The women attributed much of their process and outcomes of PTG to the experience of participating in an exercise intervention programme during rehabilitation. The programme's success in facilitating PTG could be viewed as superior in some ways to other group based therapies in offering the women a safe environment, positive support system, opportunity to transfer new skills and heightened health awareness/behaviours. Future research should acknowledge and conduct further investigations into the role of physical activity interventions as facilitators of the PTG process.
A growing body of evidence indicates the benefits of exercise as a rehabilitation intervention for cancer patients. However, few hospitals offer exercise-based rehabilitation programmes to patients. This study evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of a group-based exercise programme for cancer patients attending a local oncology centre. The intervention consisted of a weekly instructor-led circuit training class supplemented by home-based activity 4 days/week for 10 weeks. From 28 eligible patients, 12 were recruited (43%), of whom nine completed the intervention (75%). The three withdrawals were due to worsening of disease. Adherence (mean of 7.5 classes attended and 4 days/week of home activity performed) and tolerability (no adverse events) were good. Positive features of the programme identified in interviews with participants included the variety and scope of the exercises, and the empathetic but positive approach of the instructors. The small group format was highly valued with participants receiving social support and inspiration from each other. Perceived outcomes included improved fitness, reduced fatigue, enjoyment, enhanced mood and a sense of achievement. Several participants felt that the intervention represented a stepping stone to becoming habitual exercisers. Results suggested that the programme was feasible and acceptable to patients, but uptake was low, indicating a need for more effective recruitment strategies in order for a cost-effective service to be implemented.
This study was designed to compare the effects of two aerobic training programmes of differing intensities on mood and mental well-being with those of a credible attention-placebo condition. One hundred and nine sedentary adult volunteers from the local population were assigned to four conditions: high intensity aerobic training, moderate intensity aerobic training, attention-placebo and waiting list. Training was carried out over a 10 week period. Subjects were assessed before and after training with psychological measures and the 12 min walk-run test, and follow-up evaluations were undertaken after 3 months. Ninety-four subjects began the programme and the adherence rate averaged 80%, with no significant differences in number of drop-outs between conditions. Appropriate changes in estimated maximum oxygen consumption were observed in the three active conditions with the 12 min walk-run test. Psychological benefits were seen with the moderate exercise condition but not in the high exercise or attention-placebo conditions. These effects were manifest immediately after training on measures of tension/anxiety and confusion, and at follow-up on measures of perceived coping ability. The mechanisms underlying this pattern of results are discussed and the relative importance for health of vigorous activity and physical fitness is considered.