As alternative approaches to health and social care gain wider acceptance, exercise is being adopted as a strategy for mental health promotion in a variety of settings. Exercise, Health and Mental Health provides an introduction to this emerging field and a platform for future research and practice. Written by internationally acclaimed exercise, health and medical scientists, this is the first systematic review of the evidence for the psychological role of exercise in: -treating and managing mental health problems including dementia, schizophrenia, drug and alcohol dependence -coping with chronic clinical conditions including cancer, heart disease and HIV/AIDS -enhancing wellbeing in the general population - by improving sleep, assisting in smoking cessation, and as a way of addressing broader social issues such as antisocial behaviour. Adopting a consistent and user-friendly format, the research findings for each topic are summarized and critically examined for their implications. For students and researchers, this book provides an authoritative guide to current issues and future research. basis for the development of evidence-based practice.

Exercise, Health and Mental Health provides an introduction to this emerging field and a platform for future research and practice. Written by internationally acclaimed exercise, health and medical scientists, it is the first systematic review of the evidence for the potential role of exercise in:

• treating and managing mental health problems including dementia, schizophrenia, drug and alcohol dependence
• coping with chronic clinical conditions including cancer, heart disease and HIV/AIDS
• enhancing well-being in the general population a " by improving sleep, assisting in smoking cessation, and as a way of addressing broader social issues such as anti-social behaviour.

Adopting a consistent and accessible format, the research findings for each topic are clearly summarized and critically examined for their implications.

The feel good effect of physical activity is one which although realised has barely reached its potential and in the modern world of stress and inactivity for our mental health. Physical Activity and Pychological Well-being provides a research consensus on the relationship between physical exercise and the aspects of mental health. Whilst reviewing and integrating relevant information the book also considers physical activity in relation to the different aspects of mental health:
* anxiety
* depression
* mood and emotion
* self-esteem
* cognitive functioning
* psychological dysfunction.
Physical Activity and Psychological Well-being is invaluable reading for undergraduates and post graduates of sport and exercise science and provides a foundation for health services, sport specialists and psychologists alike to promote the benefits of physical activity and improve mental health.

The 'feel-good' effect of physical activity is widely reported among participants. Physical Activity and Psychological Well-Being represents a research consensus on the relationship between physical activity and aspects of mental health, providing an overview of the case for the role of exercise in the promotion of psychological well-being. Topics covered include:

* anxiety and stress
* depression
* mood and emotion
* self-perceptions and self-esteem
* cognitive functioning and ageing
* psychological dysfunction

This book is invaluable reading for students and researchers working in the exercise, sport and health sciences, and for health and clinical psychologists. It is also a foundation text for health promotion and health service professionals, particularly those working in the area of mental health.

As interest in the public health challenge of youth inactivity increases, the ambitious "Youth Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior" sets a standard for addressing a problem with worldwide implications. Drawing on the contributions of a diverse group of international experts, this reference challenges professionals, researchers, and students to implement new solutions and further their research and work.

No other text addresses the causes, contributing factors, and fundamental issues in dealing with youth physical activity with such depth or comprehensive coverage. Using a multidisciplinary approach, "Youth Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior" breaks away from traditional thinking that places activity and sedentary behavior on a single continuum, which may limit progress in addressing youth inactivity. Instead, the authors encourage readers to focus on how sedentary and physically active behaviors coexist and consider how the two behaviors may have different determinants. In doing so, the text also considers developmental features such as maturation, ethnicity, environment, and genetics across both childhood (through age 12) and adolescence (the teen years). By looking at a variety of psychosocial and epidemiological factors, the authors set the stage for a critical analysis of beliefs and views at a time when many assumptions are taken for granted.

This book is organized in three parts that build on one another to deepen readers' understanding of this complex problem. This text begins by addressing the fundamental issues and assumptions pertaining to youth physical activity and sedentary behavior, covering such topics as measurement of the behavior in question, health outcomes, concepts, and trends in a public health context. Once readers have grasped this foundational knowledge, they advance to part II for a comprehensive account of personal factors likely to be associated with the problem. Part III moves beyond the individual into the wider social and contextual aspects of physically active and sedentary living in young people. Through this concluding part, readers gain the latest thinking on how parents, peers, schools, organized sport, and related factors link to youth physical activity and sedentary behavior.

Each chapter presents the latest theory and research, real-world approaches to implementation, and background information to encourage discussion and future directions in national policy making. "Youth Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior" also contains the following features that add to an unprecedented learning experience:

-An at-a-glance look at why and how research can be used in the real world helps researchers relate their work to overall solutions.

-Coverage of more issues related to this subject than are available in any other reference makes this a one-stop resource.

-Internationally respected foreword writer, editors, and contributors provide a cross-disciplinary perspective valuable for putting solutions into a wider context.

-Applications for Professionals boxes and Applications for Researchers boxes at the end of each chapter provide practical suggestions for implementing solutions. "Youth Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior: Challenges and Solutions" considers current research about youth physical activity and sedentary behavior across a range of personal factors as well as cultural and social influences. The text communicates the knowledge base on developmental, economic, psychological, and social factors related to youth physical activity and sedentary behavior and provides an overview of youth-specific approaches to addressing the problem of inactivity among youth.