Physical activity, exercise and sport have been ascribed a central role in health promotion efforts to fight obesity, degenerative diseases and mental health problems in the general population. Physical activity promotion efforts aimed to reach inactive groups and increase physical activity in the general population are in need of intervention efforts informed by theoretical models of physical activity behavior change. Further, knowledge about mental health effects has received less well attention, and should be regarded as important in order to gain insight into the role of physical activity in preventing mental health problems, and in order to understand motivation and readiness for physical activity (change) for among people suffering from light or severe mental health problems.

The course will be taught entirely in English.

Students`are expected to gain knowledge and understanding of the role of physical activity for mental health as well as insight into various theoretical models and approaches that may inform intervention efforts and strategies to enhance physical activity in the general population.

Learning outcomes
Students should obtain in depth knowledge and understanding regarding:

• The role of physical activity for mental health in children, adults and the elderly
• Psychosocial models & theories and socio-ecological approaches of physical activity behaviour and behaviour change in children, adults and the elderly
• Similarities and differences regarding predictors of physical activity versus sedentary activities
• The importance and efficiency of theory-based interventions aimed to increase physical activity in children, adults and the elderly

Part 1: (15 ECTS)
Three weeks of intensive course work. Primary course interaction will be lecture/discussion, student individual coursework and presentation of assignments. Students shall participate actively and sufficiently in the classes, shall work on an individual written assignment (article review) and are expected to present the assignment during the course. The student forfeits the right to take an examination if the required coursework has not been completed by the set deadline, or if the coursework conducted and presented are not passed.

This part is organized as part of MAS447 Psychology of Physical Activity (15sp/ECTS)

Part 2: (5 ECTS)
Individual student coursework in the format of a written literature review -specific guidelines & deadlines for delivery will be given.

• Individual written literature review - part 2 (approved/not approved).
• The final exam will be a 14 day written assignment based on part 1 and part 2. The assignment question is drawn, and the paper shall be of no more than 9000 words/20 pages (Times Roman font size 12;  line distance =  1.5) + reference list. A graded score will be given (graded A-F).

Main reading:

Bartholomew, L.K, Parcel, G.S, Kok,G. Gottlieb, N. H. & Fernandez, M.E. (Eds.).  (2011). Planning health promotion programs: An intervention mapping approach (3rd ed.). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
For reading:
- Chapter 6: Intervention mapping step 3: Selecting theory-informed intervention methods and practical applications. (pp. 309-376)
- Chapter 9: Intervention mapping step 6: planning for evaluation. (pp.509-550).
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Bauman, A., Smith, B. J., Maibach, E.W. & Reger-Nash, B. (2006). Evaluation of mass media campaigns for physical activity. Evaluation and Program Planning, 29, 312-322.
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Baumeister, R.F. & Vohs, K.D. (2007). Self-regulation, ego depletion, and motivation. Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 1: 10.1111/j.1751-9004.2007.00001.x
The library does not have this Journal. 

Biddle, S.J.H. & Asare, M. (2011). Physical activity and mental health in children and adolescents: A review of reviews. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 45, 886-895.
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Biddle, S. & Mutrie, N. (2008). Psychology of physical activity: Determinants, well-being and interventions. London: Routlegde.
For reading:
- Part 3: Physical activity: A feel-good effect? (pp. 161-284).
- Part 4: Physical activity: What works in helping people be more active? (pp.285-346).
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Crocker, P.R.E, Kowalski, K.C, & Hadd, V. (2008). The role of the self. In: A. L. Smith & S. Biddle (Eds.). Youth physical activity and sedentary behavior: Challenges and solutions.  (pp. 215-232). Champaign, Ill.: Human Kinetics.
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Deslandes, A., Moraes, H., Ferreira, C., Veiga, H., Silveira, H., Mouta, R. (et al.). (2009). Exercise and mental health: Many reasons to move. Neuropsychobiology, 59, 191-198.
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Duncan, M. J., Spence, J. C. & Mummery,W.K. (2005). Perceived environment and physical activity: a meta-analysis of selected environmental characteristics. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity 2:11 doi:10.1186/1479-5868-2-11.
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Fedewa, A.L. & Ahn, S. (2011). The effects of physical activity and physical fitness on children?s achievement and cognitive outcomes. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 82, 521-535.
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Fox, K.R. (1999). The influence of physical activity on mental wellbeing. Public Health Nutrition, 2, 411-418.
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Hagger, M. .S & Chatzisarantis, N.L.D. (2008) Youth attitudes. In: A. L. Smith & S. Biddle (Eds.), Youth physical activity and sedentary behavior: Challenges and solutions. (pp 167-192). Champaign, Ill.: Human Kinetics.
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Hagger, M. & Chatzisarantis, N. (2008). Self-determination theory and the psychology of exercise. International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 1, 79-103
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Hagger, M. S, Wood,C.W., Stiff, C. & Chatzisarantis, N.L.D (2010). Self-regulation and the self-control in exercise. The strength: Energy model. International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 3, 62-86.
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Haugen, T., Säfvenbom, R. & Ommundsen, Y. (2011). Physical activity and global self-worth: The role of physical self-esteem indices and gender. Mental Health and Physical Activity, 4, 49-56.
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Johnson, K.E. & Taliaferro, L.A. (2011). Relationships between physical activity and depressive symptoms among middle and older adolescents: A review of the research literature. Journal for Specialists in Pediatric Nursing, 16, 235-251.
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McAlister, A, Perry, C.L. & Parcel,G. S. (2008). How individuals, environments and health behaviours interact: Social cognitive theory. In: K. Glanz, B. K. Rimer & K. Viswanath (Eds), Health behavior and health education: Theory research and practice (4th ed.). (pp. 169-188). San Francisco: Josey-Bass.
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McNeill, L. H, Kreuter, M.W. & Subramanian, S.V. (2006). Social environment and physical activity: A review of concepts and evidence. Social Science & Medicine, 63, 1011-1022.
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Markland, D. & Ingledew, D.K. (2007). Exercise participation motives. In: M.S. Hagger & N.L.D. Chatzisarantis (Eds.), Intrinsic motivation and self-determination in exercise and sport. (pp. 23-34). Champaign, Ill: Human Kinetics.
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Nigg,C.R. & Paxton, R.J. (2008). Conceptual perspectives. In: A. L. Smith & S. Biddle (Eds.). Youth physical activity and sedentary behavior: Challenges and solutions. (pp. 79-106). Champaign, Ill.: Human Kinetics.
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Ransdell, L.B., Dinger, M.K, Huberty, J. & Miller, K.H. (2009). Developing effective physical activity programs. Champaign, Ill.: Human Kinetics.
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Rollnick, S. Mason, P. & Butler, C. (2010). Health behavior change: A guide for practitioners (2nd ed.). Edingburgh: Churchill Livingstone.
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Ryan, R.M. & Deci, E.L. (2007). Active human nature: Self-determination theory and the promotion and maintenance of sport, exercise, and health. In: M.S. Hagger & N.L.D. Chatzisarantis (Eds.), Intrinsic motivation and self-determination in exercise and sport. (pp. 1-19). Champaign, Ill.: Human Kinetics.
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Ryan, R. M., Patrick, H., Deci, E.L. & Williams, G.C. (2008). Facilitating health behaviour change and its maintenance: Interventions based on self-determination theory. European Psychologist, 10, 2-5.
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Sniehotta, F.F. (2009). Towards a theory of intentional behaviour change: Plans, planning, and self-regulation. British Journal of Health Psychology, 14, 261-273.
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Solberg, P.A,. Hopkins,W.G., Ommundsen,Y. & Halvari, H. (2012). Effects of three training types on vitality among older adults: A self-determination theory perspective. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 13, 407- 417.
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Stephens, C. (2008). Psychological and social explanations for health. In. C. Stephens, Health promotion: A psychosocial approach. (pp. 68-96). Maidenhead Berkshire: McGrawHill.
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Tarrant, M., Hagger, M.S & Farrow, C.V. (2012). Promoting positive orientation towards health through social identity. In: J. Jetten, C. Haslam A.E. Haslam (Eds.), The social cure: Identity, health and well-being. (pp.39-54). New York: Psychology Press.
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1000 p.