Class Psychology of Health and Physical Exercise

This Unit Unidade has the goal of promoting the knowledge about the role of the psychological competencies related with health and physical exerce, as well as their pratical application during the development of students' professional activity.  

Not applicable

1. Definition, history and research methods of Health Psychology. 2. Theoretical models in Health Psychology. 3. Health promotion and disease prevention: Stress, immunity and coping; Beliefs, behavior, health and disease; Personality, gender, sexuality and age; Promotion of health behaviors; Barriers to health promotion; Motivation and adherence to treatment. 4. Motivation in exercise and sporting settings. 5. Self-perceptions, self-esteem, exercise and sport. 6. Exercise, health and well-being. 7. Life-styles and exercise: Relationships with health from individual variables to behavioral patterns; Relationships with sport; Results from research and practical implications.

Different teaching methodologies (ME) will be used: Discussion of practical cases (ME1), Viewing and discussion of documentaries/videos (ME2), Small group activities (ME3), Feedback information provided by the teacher about the work carried out (ME4).

Baum, A., Revenson, T. A. Singer, J. E. (2012). Handbook of health psychology. New York, US: Psychology Press. Buckworth, J., Dishman, R., O¿Connor, P., & Tomporowski, P. (2013). Exercise Psychology. Champaign: Il. Human Kinetics. Calmeiro, L.; & Matos, M. (2004). Psicologia do exercício e da saúde. Visão e Contextos. Cruz, J. (Ed.) (1996). Manual de Psicologia do Desporto. Braga:SHO. Fox, K. (Ed.). (1997). The physical self: from motivation to well-being. Champaign: Il. Human Kinetics. Friedman, H. S. (2011). The Oxford handbook of health psychology. New York, US: Oxford University Press. Martin, L. R., & DiMatteo, M. R. (Coords.) (2014). The Oxford handbook of health communication, behavior change, and treatment adherence. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Tenenbaum, G.; & Eklund, R. C. (Ed.) (2007). Handbook of Sport Psychology - 3rd edition. John Wiley & Sons. USA. Weinberg, R.; & Gould, D. (2011). Foundations of Sport and Exercise Psychology. 5th edition. Human Kinetics.