Abstract

This paper provides a review of recent literature and issues in the newly identified and rapidly expanding subfield of the sport and exercise sciences, exercise psychology. Using Sallis and Hovells (1990) process model of participation in exercise as a framework, key psychological factors affecting the different stages of adoption, maintenance, dropout, and resumption are considered. Developmental issues, currently neglected in exercise psychology, are discussed. The psychological outcomes of participation in exercise are considered by synthesizing findings from recent meta-analytic reviews on exercise and anxiety, depression, self-esteem in children, and stress reactivity. Futur directions and issues are discussed in summary. Verf.-Referat