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.
