Now publishing in a fully revised, updated and expanded fourth edition, Psychology of Physical Activity is the most authoritative, engaging and up-to-date introduction to exercise psychology currently available. It is essential reading for all students working in exercise and health sciences.

Positive psychology (PP) is a fast-developing area of research that emphasises personal growth and the positive qualities of life. This is the first book to apply the principles and practice of PP to sport and physical activity. In attempting to help people enjoy sport, sport psychology has paradoxically often focused on topics such as anxiety, stress and burnout. By contrast, this reader-friendly introduction to PP shows how it can improve sporting performance while also enhancing physical and mental well-being. Demonstrating the practical relevance of PP for all those who participate in sport and physical activity at any level, it covers a variety of topics including: passion, enjoyment and flow positive pedagogy and appreciative inquiry for sport leaders, coaches and teachers gratitude, mindfulness, optimism and hope positive psychology coaching for sport leaders and practitioners character strengths, growth mindset and resilience. With expert contributors from around the globe, real-life case studies, practical strategies and suggestions for future research in every chapter, this book is inspirational reading for all students, coaches, researchers and practitioners with an interest in sport and exercise psychology, mental health and well-being.

The 'feel-good' effect of physical activity is widely reported among participants. Physical Activity and Psychological Well-Being represents a research consensus on the relationship between physical activity and aspects of mental health, providing an overview of the case for the role of exercise in the promotion of psychological well-being. Topics covered include: * anxiety and stress * depression * mood and emotion * self-perceptions and self-esteem * cognitive functioning and ageing * psychological dysfunction This book is invaluable reading for students and researchers working in the exercise, sport and health sciences, and for health and clinical psychologists. It is also a foundation text for health promotion and health service professionals, particularly those working in the area of mental health.

As modern lifestyles offer ever more opportunities for a sedentary existence, physical activity has become, for many, a marginal aspect of life. Too little physical activity is linked to common, often serious, health problems, and although this link is now widely acknowledged, levels of sedentary behaviour continue to increase throughout western society. Psychology of Physical Activity, 2nd Edition addresses this concern, bringing together a wealth of up to date information about exercise behaviour including: motivation and psychological factors associated with activity or inactivity the psychological outcomes of exercising including the 'feel–good' factor understanding specific clinical populations interventions and applied practice in the psychology of physical activity current trends and future directions in research and practice. Updated to reflect new findings and research directions, this new edition includes full textbook features, and is accompanied by a dedicated website providing lecturers and students with extensive support materials, including powerpoint slides and student MCQ's. Visit the companion website at www.routledge.com/textbooks/9780415366656.

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.

"This is a ground-breaking and comprehensive text devoted solely to the discussion of exercise psychology. Exploring all areas of personal motivation, the benefits of exercise, and the theories, pioneers, and ongoing research, it prepares the exercise science professional for future career opportunities in the pubic and private sector." --McGraw Hill.