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An Investigation into the Effects of Subjective Feelings of Physical Activity Enjoyment and the Objective Features of Physical Activity on Positive and Negative Mental Health

Buggle, Ciara (2015) An Investigation into the Effects of Subjective Feelings of Physical Activity Enjoyment and the Objective Features of Physical Activity on Positive and Negative Mental Health. Undergraduate thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.

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Abstract

Objective: Extensive research suggests that physical activity (PA) has substantial benefits for our psychological health, this study also investigates the effects that enjoyment of PA has on our mental health.

Methodology: 201 participants (99 males and 102 females) completed standard demographic questions and then a number of questionnaires; the General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12), the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire-short form (OHQ-S), the UCLA Loneliness Scale (LS), the Social Support Questionnaire (SSQ), the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-short form (IPAQ-S) and the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PAES). The data was analysed using standard multiple regression.

Results: PA had no predictive effect on mental health when enjoyment of PA was controlled for. Social support and enjoyment of PA were the two highest predictors of positive mental health.

Conclusion: Results suggest that it is the individual’s subjective feelings rather than the objective PA that predicted positive mental health. Existing literature, the implications and intentions for future research are also discussed.

Item Type: Thesis (Undergraduate)
Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > Psychology
R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA790 Mental Health
Divisions: School of Business > BA (Honours) in Psychology
Depositing User: Caoimhe Ní Mhaicín
Date Deposited: 01 Oct 2015 09:43
Last Modified: 01 Oct 2015 09:44
URI: https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/1964

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