Advances in Physical Activity and Subjective Well-Being: International Perspectives
Authors
BG Berger
SJ Hanrahan
Elizabeth Rose, Edith Cowan University
Barbara Howard, Larkin
D Larkin
B Hands
H Parker
MJ MacCracken
RE Stadulis
Document Type
Conference Proceeding
Faculty
Faculty of Computing, Health and Science
School
School of Exercise, Biomedical and Health Science
RAS ID
4140
Abstract
This symposium focuses on the relationships between physical activity and diverse aspects of psychological well-being. It also includes international perspectives on diverse populations and explores application of current theory in intervention programs designed to encourage more individuals to be physically active. A sedentary lifestyle is a major health hazard and is associated with coronary disease, hypertension, certain cancers, and type 2 diabetes (American College of Sports Medicine, 2006). In addition, individuals who are physically inactive do not have opportunities to reap or enjoy the somatopsychic benefits associated with physical activity such as feelings of global self-worth, a of self-concept dimensions such as physical appearance and social acceptance, mood alteration, enjoyment derived from using the body, decreases in social physique anxiety, and increases in life satisfaction. Insufficient physical activity detracts from subjective well-being and reflects a basic dilemma: so many benefits, so few participants (Berger, 2004; Berger & Tobar, 2007). Presenters will examine key psychological factors related to physical activity and/or its lack, and multiple aspects of psychological well-being in diverse populations throughout the world. These include adolescents at an orphanage in Mexico, young children in Australia in the public schools, adolescent African-American girls, and minority male and female youth from low-income backgrounds in the United States. Several of these populations tend to have low physical activity participation rates and are underserved in regard to exercise intervention programs.
Comments
Berger, B. G., Hanrahan, S. J., Rose, E., Howard, B., Larkin, D., Hands, B., ... & Stadulis, R. E. (2007). Advances in Physical Activity and Subjective Well-Being: International Perspectives. Proceedings of The 5th ASPASP International Congress of Sport Psychology.