Exercise and mental health - implications for treatment: A review of the literature

Sharkey, Jessica L. (2016) Exercise and mental health - implications for treatment: A review of the literature. Counseling & Wellness: A Professional Counseling Journal, 5.

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Abstract

This paper reviews the literature regarding the positive effects of exercise and physical activity on the human psyche. In particular, the focus of this paper is to examine mental health benefits of exercise in clinical and nonclinical populations. Exercise as treatment for mental illness is thoroughly examined. Exercise interventions have been found to be effective in alleviating symptoms of depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. General physical activity and aerobic exercise have potential to be used as alternative or adjunctive treatments for mental disorders in addition to or instead of medications. Green exercise—exercising in nature—is also explored. The use of psychotherapy combined with exercise and other types of physiologically-based health interventions are explored. Suggestions for future research are provided.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	Counseling & Wellness: A Professional Counseling Journal is published annually and dedicated to publishing refereed articles related to professional counseling in general and issues and counseling approaches that focus on wellness and personal adjustment. Publication priority was given to current Masters and Doctoral students from CACREP-accredited Counseling Programs with active Chi Sigma Iota Chapters Counseling & Wellness: A Professional Counseling Journal is the official publication of the Beta Alpha Chapter of Chi Sigma Iota at Northern Arizona University.
Keywords:	wellness, exercise & mental health
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology R Medicine > R Medicine (General)
Department/Unit:	Journals > Counseling and Wellness Journal
Date Deposited:	08 Feb 2016 21:35
URI:	http://openknowledge.nau.edu/id/eprint/2345

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