Contents
1.0 Introduction
2.0 Examples of psychological effects of exercise on a clinical population.
3.0 Examples of psychological effects of exercise on a non-clinical population.
4.0 Some of the mechanisms of the effects of exercise.
5.0 Bibliography.
We know from extensive research that exercise has substantial psychological effects, both beneficial and detrimental, on clinical and non-clinical populations. This page shows some examples of these effects, and isolates three mechanisms through which we feel these effects; Psychological, Biochemical and Physiology.
In the treatment of depression or anxiety, exercise is often prescribed in addition to psychotropic medication as it alleviates anxiety and depression.
In those who are diagnosed as being obese, exercise has beneficial effects. Improvement of body shape leads to a more positive self image and greater levels of self esteem.
Through exercise and team sports, individuals have more social interaction, contributing to a general feeling of well-being and acceptance.
Looking at one’s perception of exercise levels (RPE scale) doctors can gauge exercise prescriptions for those undergoing rehabilitation for conditions such as coronary illness, thus speeding up recovery and preventing future illness.
Through exercise and fitness, one can improve their general well-being and mental health, and be able to cope with everyday situations more readily.
Stress levels can be reduced with exercise. This exercise need not be strenuous nor prolonged to give a substantial reduction.
One of the potential drawbacks of regular strenuous exercise is the risk of exercise dependence.
By feeling fitter, and being able to do things previously impossible, exercise can raise our confidence levels.
Biochemical effects; Exercise addiction.
This is an example of how exercise affects us Biochemically. Many
athletes have felt the symptoms of exercise addiction, often called “Jogger’s
high”. This is caused by the release of endorphins through strenuous
exercise. Endorphins are peptides, similar to opiates (e.g. Morphine),
which connect onto receptors in the brain; they can be dscribed as our
natural pain killers. However, like morphine,and other opiates, the
body can develop an addiction to endorphins. The levels in the blood,
during exercise, may only increase twofold, while at the receptors,
a much greater increase is evident. Symptoms of this addiction are,
irritability when not exercising, and forming one’s daily routine round
exercise.
Physiological effects of exercise; the treatment of obesity.
Research has shown that, physical activity of any kind is a more effective
mechanism for weight loss that a “diet” alone. Not only does aerobic
activity burn fats, but the resulting improvement in fitness also contributes
to greater cardiovascular well-being. Subjects feel slimmer,
and are more able to do simple activities, such as walking up stairs, more
comfortably. Thus, those who were previously self conscious, lacking
in confidence, and often ashamed of their appearance, would see themselves
in a more positive light, and have a greater level of self esteem.
Psychological effects of exercise; Stress management, Distraction theory.
One explanation of how stress in reduced through exercise is “Distraction hypothesis”. Two notable experiments support this theory (Bahrke & Morgan (1987) and Wilson, Berger & Bird (1981)). Both these experiments concluded that by giving stressed subjects something to concentrate on, in this case exercise, they took a break from thoughts of the stressful situation. However, although other distractions show similar reductions in stress levels, the reduction due to exercise is longer lasting. The exact mechanism behind this reduction is unclear, but there are links between this and the biochemical changes mentioned above.
New Scientist; 1995; Vols. 143 and 144; IPC magazines.
Biology Third Edition; 1993; Dr N. A. Campbell; Benjamin/Cummings, California.
The Handbook of Clinical Adult Psychology (2nd edition);1994; Edited by SJE Lindsay and GE Powell; Routeledge, London
Exercise and Mental Health. 1987; DMW de Coverley Veale; Academic Dept. of Psychiatry, The Royal Free Hospital, London.
Exercise and Health Psychology: emerging relationships; 1989; S J Biddle & K R Fox.; British Journal of Medical Psychology. The British Psychological Society.
Hilgard’s Introduction to Psychology(12th Edition); 1996; RL Atkinson, RC Atkinson, EE Smith, DJ Bem, S Nolen-Hoeksema; Harcourt Brace and Company, Orlando Florida.
Sport Psychology, Concepts and Applications; 1984; FC Bakker, HTA Whiting, H Van der Brug; John Wiley and Sons, Chichester.
Psychological Stress and Athlete’s Health- Opening up the Physiological Box (Research paper);1997; Frank M Perna. W Virginia University. Morgantown.(http://www.psyc.unt.edu/apadiv47/paper.htm)