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 related to behaviour change 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, trends, measurement and policy.
2. An examination of differing sources of evidence regarding the physical activity- mental health relationship including primary research, traditional review, systematic review, meta-analysis and epidemiological research.
3. Theories of behaviour change and the adoption and maintenance of physical activity.
4. The role of physical activity in the prevention and treatment of (a) anxiety and (b) depression and schizophrenia.
5.Physical Activity, Self Esteem, Affect and Sedentary Behaviour

Assessment: Physical Activity & Mental Health - Sources of Evidence
Your assessment represents 100% of the overall module mark and consists of an essay type submission (2500 words) where you select a mental illness of your choice and critically evaluate the strength and relative contribution of different sources of evidence linking physical activity to the selected mental illness. This assessment covers LO’s 1, and 2.

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. Each activity will commence with tutor developed introductory material, using a range of formats. This material will then be followed by a series of weekly tasks that will deliver the learning outcomes of the activity. These tasks will be carried out individually, or as part of a small group. The assessments set within the module will allow students to demonstrate understanding and critical analysis skills via content and task related activities drawn from the module topic areas. In addition to core tasks, further additional reading, optional tasks and specific preparation for the module assessments will be required. Students will receive formative feedback throughout the module comprising task-related feedback on a week-by-week basis, together with online discussions forums to encourage peer-learning and interaction with the module delivery team to support collaborative discourse within a ‘Communities of Inquiry’ framework.

1. Systematically examine the evidence of the role of physical activity in the prevention and treatment of identified mental illnesses (e.g., anxiety, depression, schizophrenia).

2. Systematically examine known and theorised relationships between physical activity and indicators of mental health

Access to an appropriate PC, with accompanying software including Office 365 (MS Teams, One-Drive, Word, PowerPoint et al.), Adobe, and Java software.
Access to appropriate reading materials, which can be accesses through the Staffordshire University library resource page for sport and Exercise.

There is one core text:
Biddle, S. J. H., Mutrie, N. & Gorley, T. & Faulkner, G. (2021). Psychology of Physical Activity: Determinants, Well Being and Interventions (4th Edition). Routledge.

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

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 related to behaviour change and evaluate a range of different sources of evidence (primary, traditional and systematic review, meta-analysis and population-based studies) linking physical activity to selected aspects of mental health and illness.