Overview
Critically examines the influence of social psychological factors on decisions to adopt and maintain physical activity and the relationships between physical activity and psychological well-being.
About this paper
| Paper title | Psychology of Physical Activity |
|---|---|
| Subject | Sport, Physical Education and Exercise |
| EFTS | 0.15 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 1 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) | $1,318.20 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Prerequisite
- PHSE 205 or PHSE 334 or SPEX 204 or SPEX 205
- Restriction
- PHSE 336, PHSE 536
- Schedule C
- Arts and Music, Science
- Eligibility
Suitable for students interested in the psychology of physical activity, health promotion, public health, social psychology and physical education.
- Contact
- More information link
- Teaching staff
Course Coordinator: Associate Professor Elaine Hargreaves
- Paper Structure
The paper is structured to explore:
- The relationships between physical activity and components of mental health and psychological wellbeing (e.g., depression, anxiety, affect).
- The psychological influences on physical activity behaviour change from adoption to maintenance drawing from socio-psychological theories (e.g., self-determination, self-efficacy, intention formation, habit and social support).
- The application of these socio-psychological principles in the design and implementation of physical activity interventions or programmes.
- Skills and techniques for conducting successful physical activity behaviour change conversations.
- Teaching Arrangements
There are six compulsory tutorials held across the semester.
- Textbooks
There is no compulsory textbook. A reading list will be provided, which details the book chapter or research articles that complement each lecture. These readings will be available online and through course reserve in the library.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Lifelong learning, Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Research, Self-motivation.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
On completing the paper students should be able to:
- Describe the evidence to support (or not) the role physical activity plays in the treatment of depression and anxiety.
- Explain the relationship between physical activity and the different facets of psychological wellbeing.
- Critically evaluate current socio-cognitive theories that explain motivation for physical activity.
- Demonstrate the communication skills required to facilitate individual-level behaviour change.
- Translate theory-based concepts into practical strategies to influence behaviour in different physical activity contexts.
Overview
Critically examines the influence of social psychological factors on decisions to adopt and maintain physical activity and the relationships between physical activity and psychological well-being.
About this paper
| Paper title | Psychology of Physical Activity |
|---|---|
| Subject | Sport, Physical Education and Exercise |
| EFTS | 0.15 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 1 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for 2027 have not yet been set |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Prerequisite
- PHSE 205 or PHSE 334 or SPEX 204 or SPEX 205
- Restriction
- PHSE 336, PHSE 536
- Schedule C
- Arts and Music, Science
- Eligibility
Suitable for students interested in the psychology of physical activity, health promotion, public health, social psychology and physical education.
- Contact
- More information link
View more information on the School of Physical Education, Sport & Exercise Sciences website.
- Teaching staff
Course Co-ordinator: Professor Elaine Hargreaves
- Paper Structure
The paper is structured to explore:
- The relationships between physical activity and components of mental health and psychological wellbeing (e.g. depression, anxiety, affect).
- The psychological influences on physical activity behaviour change from adoption to maintenance, drawing from socio-psychological theories (e.g. self-determination, self-efficacy, intention formation, habit and social support).
- The application of these socio-psychological principles in the design and implementation of physical activity interventions or programmes.
- Skills and techniques for conducting successful physical activity behaviour change conversations.
- Teaching Arrangements
From 2027, there will be seven compulsory tutorials due to moving to a 12-week semester.
- Textbooks
There is no compulsory textbook. A reading list will be provided, which details the book chapter or research articles that complement each lecture. These readings will be available online and through the course reserve in the library.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Lifelong learning, Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Research, Self-motivation.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
On completing the paper students should be able to:
- Describe the evidence to support (or not) the role physical activity plays in the treatment of depression and anxiety.
- Explain the relationship between physical activity and the different facets of psychological wellbeing.
- Critically evaluate current socio-cognitive theories that explain motivation for physical activity.
- Demonstrate the communication skills required to facilitate individual-level behaviour change.
- Translate theory-based concepts into practical strategies to influence behaviour in different physical activity contexts.
- Assessment details
Three assessments worth a combined 55% of the final grade, and the final exam is worth 45%.