Class Exercise and Health Psychology

This Curricular Unit aims to provide applied knowledge in the area of exercise (diverisity of contexts contexts) and health.

The unit broadly addresses not only the positive consequences of regular practice, illustrating the psychological mechanisms that support them, but also how to promote them. Making use of scientifically validated theoretical models and derived strategies, this UC aims to provide the student not only with a better understanding of the phenomenon of continued adherence to regular physical exercise, but also of what type of motivational and self-regulatory strategies can foster it.

I - The promotion of movement behaviors

1- Adherence and Behavioral Modification Models

2- Behavioral modification techniques and their taxonomy

3- Self-regulation and Self-Determination Theory

4- Practical strategies to support the development of a intervention climate that supports autonomy, structure and positive involvement. Examples from the motivational interview.

II.The challenge of implementing Exercise and Health Psychology principles in the context of new technologies.

III.The psychological impact of movement behaviors

1. Psychological Benefits of Exercise: underlying mechanisms and how to promote them

2. Negative Aspects Associated with Exercise: Identify and prevent

Classes will be taught where experiential learning will be applied, with problem solving, role-play and group work. The b-learning system will be used, based on the moodle platform, where support materials will be available for each of the classes (videos, slides and support texts), as well as a discussion forum.

Students will be encouraged to think critically and reflectively, developing and evaluating practical assignments for colleagues based on the themes of group work and available resources.

The use of case studies and development of motivational intervention plans will help students to simulate situations of practical intervention and content application.

The use of illustrative videos, with an illustration and analysis component, will help cement knowledge.

Enshel, M. H., Petruzzello, S. J., & Labbé, E. E. (2019). APA handbook of sport and exercise psychology, volume 2: Exercise psychology, Vol. 2 (pp. xvi-739). American Psychological Association.

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. 

Ntoumanis N, Ng JYY, Prestwich A, Quested E, Hancox JE, 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 Rev.15(2):214–44.

Kwasnicka D, Dombrowski SU, White M, Sniehotta F.  (2016). Theoretical explanations for maintenance of behaviour change: a systematic review of behaviour theories. Health Psychol Rev;10(3):277-96.