Relating the Variety of Physical Activities Engaged In and Physical Self-Concept in Young Adults

Relating the Variety of Physical Activities Engaged In and Physical Self-Concept
in Young Adults

The positive effects of physical activity on physical health may be clear, but recent studies have suggested that exercise can also have beneficial effects on mental health. This is important because overall health includes both physical and psychological well-being (Aşçi, 2003). Furthermore, despite these benefits of physical activity, the amount of time Americans spend exercising does not meet the recommended minimum amount of daily exercise (Rocheleau, Webster, Bryan, & Frazier, 2004). If more Americans understood the specific psychological benefits of physical activity, as well as the amount and type of activity necessary to achieve these benefits, they may decide to increase their physical activity levels.
Some studies have already demonstrated physical activity can have positive effects on various psychological aspects of health. For example, Gauvin, Rejeski, and Reboussin (2000) conducted survey research to determine if acute instances of physical activity result in changes in mood beyond diurnal patterns of feeling states. They defined diurnal patterns of feeling states as the process of mood naturally swinging back and forth from more positive to more negative throughout the day. The researchers found that positive engagement (enthusiasm), revitalization, and tranquility were higher on days of physical activity than days of non-activity. This study thus suggests that provides physical activity could have a positive impact on mood.
However, other studies have shown physical activity does not always result in psychological benefits. Steptoe and Butler (1996) studied the effects of vigorous and non-vigorous physical activity on the emotional wellbeing of adolescent boys and girls. They found a positive correlation between participation in vigorous sports and recreational activity and emotional well-being. However, they unexpectedly found that boys and girls who engage in
PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES AND PHYSICAL SELF-CONCEPT 4
more non-vigorous activities had higher rates of psychological and somatic symptoms, such as feeling irritated and upset, than boys and girls that engaged in more vigorous activities. While they found that physical activity can positively influence psychological health, this study suggests that only higher intensity activities may have this effect.
Furthermore, Johnson and Krueger (2007) found in their survey research that physical activity does not benefit all aspects of psychological health. After studying a sample of genetically identical twins, the researchers found that in general, those who exercised demonstrated more positive psychological functioning than those who did not. For example, if they exercised, they tended to be more agreeab………………………….

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