Psychology of PA and Health Flashcards
PAs effect on mental health and mental health theories
Mental Health
A state of well being in which every individual realises their potential, can cope with normal stresses of life, can work productively and is able to make a contribution to their community
Eudemonic Wellbeing
Psychological- Cognitive wellbeing
eg. Self acceptance, personal growth and positive relationships
Hedonic Wellbeing
Subjective
eg. moods, joy, pleasure
Wellbeing
The balance between and individuals resources and challenges faced
External events shape wellbeing
Depression
Symptoms; Continuous low mood, low self esteem, Anxiety, suicidal thoughts and feeling; tearful, guilty, irritable
Risk factors: Childhood experiences, life events, illness, physical health problems, genetic disposition, medication, alcohol, sleep, diet and PA
Diagnosed by primary car: Questionaires
Bipolar
Symptoms: manic or depressive episodes, mania, euphoric wellbeing vs depressive episodes
Risk factors: Childhood experiances, life events, illness, physical health problem, genetic disposition
Diagnosed by primary care through assessment
Generalized Anxiety
Symptoms:
Cognitive: feeling of restless, worried and scared, feeling of being on the edge, lack of concentration and ability to sleep
Somatic: Dizziness, tiredness, shaking, dry mouth, headaches sickness
Diagnosed by primary care via questionnaires
MIND
Get Set and Go: funded by MIND and sport England. Engages individuals with mental health conditions in sport and exercise
What Neurotransmitters influenced by PA?
Dopamine
Norepinephrine
Serotonin
Acetylcholine
What is the hippocampus’ function?
Memory, emotional and cognitive control = links to anxiety and mood regulation
How does PA effect the Hippocampus?
The Hippocampus is the most sensitive part of the brain to PA
Impacts through increased blood flow = increases and decreases in gene expression
(Genes influence synaptic function and neuroplasticity)
How does PA impact mental health? (biologically)
Impacts mental health through the expression of genes. PA changes mood and therefor mental health by influencing the structure and function of the hippocampus
What is BDNF, what does it do and how is it effect by PA?
‘Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor’
It protects the brain from neural damage (eg stress) and enhances function
The more active you are the more BDNF is produced, therefore when more is produced there is a reduced risk of mental health and wellbeing issues
What is Neurogenesis and what does it do?
The process where the neural stem cells (proliferate progenitor cells) split into neurons or glia.
It is vital for optimal brain function and repairing damage
Neurogenesis declines with age
What is B-endorphin, what does it do and how is it affected by PA?
‘Runners high’
It modulates the hippocampal neurogenesis
It increases and PA increases = it enhances neurogenesis which then effects brain function & repair= reduces risk of mental health conditions
