EXSC3010 Psychology of Exercise, Health and Behaviour Change

This topic presents the principles surrounding human behaviour as applied to exercise participation and modification of health related behaviour. The topic aims to acquaint students with core aspects of behaviour that have relevance to health promotion, exercise, and physical activity participation. Students will review psychological aspects of human behaviour and how they apply to influencing the initiation of and adherence to exercise. Both acute and long term psychological responses to exercise will be presented in the context of stress and mental health as well as health promotion in musculoskeletal injury and chronic pain states. Students will learn basic counselling, goal setting, and communication skills that can be applied across physical activity, exercise, and sport contexts.

On completing this topic students will be able to:

• Evaluate the psychological factors underlying human behaviour and how these influence initiation and participation in exercise
• Describe and interpret theories of motivation and behaviour change related to exercise participation
• Highlight and apply effective processes of counselling and communication to promote optimal exercise performance and participation
• Evaluate the role of psychology in acute and long term responses to exercise musculoskeletal injury, chronic pain, and injury rehabilitation

1. Demonstrate depth of understanding of the proposed causal mechanisms of most major psychological theories that have been employed to study human behaviour in the context of health and physical activity
2. Identify and report barriers and enablers to physical activity and link to individualised goals to promote positive exercise behaviours and health
3. Critically evaluate the role of exercise and physical activity in relation to psychological wellbeing
4. Critique contemporary research evidence related to the psychology of exercise, health, and behaviour change
5. Develop theoretically driven and evidence-based research or community psychological intervention proposals to enhance physical activity participation