This module provides you with a review of the current state of our understanding of the psychology of
Physical Activity behaviour. You will be introduced to and critically evaluate physical activity theories and models and evaluate a range of different sources of evidence linking physical activity to selected
aspects of mental health and illness. Core topics covered in the module include:

1. Physical Activity: terminology, measurement and policy.
2. An examination of differing sources of evidence with regard to the physical activity- mental health relationship.
3. Theories of behaviour change and the adoption and maintenance of physical activity.
4. The mental health benefits of physical activity - myths and empirical reality.
5. The role of physical activity in the prevention and treatment of (a) anxiety and (b) depression and schizophrenia.
6. Physical Activity, Self Esteem and Affect

Assignment 1: Physical Activity & Mental Health: Sources of Evidence
Your first assessment represents 30% of the overall module mark and consists of an essay type submission (1200 words) where you select a mental illness of your choice and evaluate the strength and relative contribution of different sources of evidence linking physical activity to the selected mental illness (LO's 2 and 4)

Assignment 2: Behaviour Change: Physical Activity & Mental Health Intervention
Your second assessment represents 70% of the overall module mark and consists of an essay type submission (2800 words) assessing learning outcomes 1,3,4 & 5
You are required to devise a plan to promote a physical activity related initiative which has the goal of improving the mental well being of the workforce.
Your intervention should

- Utilise a model of behaviour change
- Justify the choice of model as opposed to at least one other
- Be evidence based
- Consider mechanisms mediating between physical activity and mental health
- Include other strategies and innovative ideas that you are aware from the literature
- Should conclude with a critical appraisal of the utility of the chosen model

Students will follow an 8-week guided study programme and access support material via Blackboard.
Students will be required to access additional support material independently. Understanding of key concepts will be self-assessed via questions posed on Blackboard and tutors feedback will be provided. Students should engage in on-line discussion sessions and will be required to support discussions with evidence based arguments.

Core required tasks will amount to an average of 6 hours of engagement per week, representing a total of 48 activity engagement hours for the module.

The number of independent study hours is 102, representing a combination of further and additional reading and a series of optional tasks (48 hours) and specific preparation for the module assignments (54 hours).

Access to an appropriately specified PC, with accompanying Word, PowerPoint, Adobe and Java software.

Biddle, S.J.H. & Mutrie, N. (2008) Psychology of physical activity. (2nd Edition). London: Routledge.

Biddle, S.J.H, Fox, K. R. & Boutcher, S.H. (2000) Physical Activity and Psychological Well-Being.
London: Routledge.

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