Exercise and Health Psychology for Special Groups

Recommended Prerequisites

NA

Teaching Methods

Module 1 is split into three sub-modules and various themes. The transition between the sub-modules is done freely, although for each sub-module there is a schedule with specific dates and activities. Module 1 has a duration of 42 days, with an estimated average 2h30h work / daily dedication to the contents of the module. Module 1 activities promote the individual study and reflection as well as collaborative work, assuming that the student will investigate and reflect on the contents and materials available in the platform.

Learning Outcomes

This course covers the psychological benefits associated with regular sport and exercise in special groups. It is intended that the student mastered a set of contents to enable them to understand and support exercise and adapted physical activity as an important mean of prevention and improvement of health and psychological well-being in special groups, contributing to the improvement of individual life satisfaction.

 

A7. Meet and review policies from education and sports organizations that are active in recreational physical activity, sport, tourism and motor, psychological and social rehabilitation activities;

A10. Knowing the problem of physical inactivity in contemporary society, risk factors for health and well-being and major policies to combat sedentary lifestyles;

A11. Knowing the fundamentals that support the policies for integration of citizens with special needs from the full integration point of view in different educational, professional and socio-cultural settings

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

• Sub module 1.1 - The problem of mental health and psychological well-being in the general population

Theme 1.1.1 | Main mechanisms associated to changes at mental health level

• Sub module 1.2 - Physical activity and mental health

Theme 1.2.1 | Exercise and mental health

Theme 1.2.2 | Exercise as therapy for a range of diseases and mental disorders

Theme 1.2.3 | Exercise and wellness

Theme 1.2.4 | Exercise and stress

Theme 1.2.5 | Negative effects of exercise

• Sub module 1.3 - Disability, sport and mental health

Theme 1.3.1 | Inactivity and low levels of physical activity

Theme 1.3.2 | People with disabilities as a risk group in terms of mental health

Theme 1.3.3 | Exercise, adapted sports and Mental Health

Head Lecturer(s)

José Pedro Leitão Ferreira

Assessment Methods

Assessement
Module 1 assessment and supervised study activities is provides with specific submission dates. All activities are mandatory, but only the assessment activities are of summative nature, accounted for the final classification of the module and course: 100.0%

Bibliography

(1) Fox, K.R., & Corbin, C.B. (1989). Journal of Exercise and Sport Psychology, 11, 408-430

(2) Fox, K.R. (2000). The effects of exercise on self-perceptions and self-esteem. In S.J.H. Biddle, K.R. Fox and S.H. Boutcher (Eds.), Physical activity and psychological well-being (pp. 88-117). London: Routledge

(3) Ferreira, J.P. (2006). Exercício, autopercepções e bem-estar psicológico em praticantes com deficiência motora. In D. Rodrigues (Ed.) Actividade Motora Adaptada: A alegria do corpo (pp.141-156). S. Paulo: Artes Médicas.

 (4) Ferreira, J.P., & Fox, K.R. (2008). European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity. 1 (1), 35-49.