Class Psychology of Health and Physical Exercise

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

Not applicable

I. The promotion of an active behaviour    1.Adherence and behavior modification models.     2. Behavior modification techniques and their taxonomy.    3. Self-regulation and Self-determination Theory.    4. Strategies to support the development of a intervention climate that supports autonomy, structure and positive involvement. Practical examples.    II. Psychological effects of the active behavior      1. Psychological benefits of exercise. Practical examples.      2. Potential negative effects associated with exercise.    III. The challenge of implementing Health and Exercise Psychology principles in the context of the new technologies.

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.   Calmeiro, L.; & Matos, M. (2004). Psicologia do exercício e da saúde. Visão e Contextos.   Ntoumanis, N.; Ng, J.Y.; Prestwich, A., Quested, E., Hancox, J.E., Thøgersen-Ntoumani, C., et al. (2021). A meta-analysis of self-determination theory-informed intervention studies in the health domain: efects on motivation, health behavior, physical, and psychological health. Health Psychol Review, 15(2), 214-244.   Silva, MN, S. Silva, C., L. Palmeira, A. (2020). Exercise psychology meets public health: Avenues on health enhancing physical activity. International Journal of Sport Psychology, 51(6), 597-612.    Weinberg, R.; & Gould, D. (2011). Foundations of Sport and Exercise Psychology. 5th edition. Human Kinetics.