Abstract des Autors

In 2 field experiments with middle-aged adults the effects of exercise on self-concept and well-being were investigated. In both experiments participants were randomly assigned to either experimental or control groups. In Experiment 1 total = 24 female
and male participated in an exercise program for six months. Physical self-concept, self-esteem, and subjective well-being were assessed before and after the 6 months program. Compared with a wait-list control group (n=13), exercisers improved
significantly in physical self-concept and decreased in psychosomatic complaints. In Experiment 2, 57 female and male participated in exercise programs for six months. Placebo attention groups (n = 36) were the control groups. The placebo attention group members took part either in relaxation- or backtraining. Self-concept and well-being measures were assessed three times: before and after the 6 months program (running or mixed-sports program), and 6 months after the program’s completion. The main effects of time showed that not only exercise but also other kinds of intervention were able to influence the dependent variables. Motor performance tests
likewise indicated that participants of all groups improved over time. The results point to the fact that exercise is one, but not the only strategy to improve mental health. Verf.-Referat