With approximately 1 in 6 adults likely to experience a significant mental health problem at any one time (Office for National Statistics), research into effective interventions has never been more important. During the past decade there has been an increasing interest in the role that sport and physical activity can play in the treatment of mental health problems, and in mental health promotion. The benefits resulting from physiological changes during exercise are well documented, including improvement in mood and control of anxiety and depression. Research also suggests that socio-cultural and psychological changes arising from engagement in sport and physical activity carry valuable mental health benefits. Sport and Physical Activity for Mental Health is an evidence-based practical guide for nurses, allied health professionals, social workers, physical activity leaders, and sport coaches. The authors provide comprehensive analysis of a broad range of client narratives, integrating theory and the latest research to explore the effectiveness of various interventions. The book offers readers detailed recommendations, suggestions, and ideas as to how sport and physical activity opportunities can be tailored to provide the greatest mental health benefits.

With approximately 1 in 6 adults likely to experience a significantmental health problem at any one time (Office for NationalStatistics), research into effective interventions has never beenmore important. During the past decade there has been an increasinginterest in the role that sport and physical activity can play inthe treatment of mental health problems, and in mental healthpromotion. The benefits resulting from physiological changes duringexercise are well documented, including improvement in mood andcontrol of anxiety and depression. Research also suggests thatsocio-cultural and psychological changes arising from engagement insport and physical activity carry valuable mental health benefits.Sport and Physical Activity for Mental Health is anevidence-based practical guide for nurses, allied healthprofessionals, social workers, physical activity leaders, and sportcoaches. The authors provide comprehensive analysis of a broadrange of client narratives, integrating theory and the latestresearch to explore the effectiveness of various interventions. Thebook offers readers detailed recommendations, suggestions, andideas as to how sport and physical activity opportunities can betailored to provide the greatest mental health benefits.

Acknowledgements.Credits.Introduction.Part I: Setting the scene.1 A background to mental health and physical activity.2 A narrative approach to mental health research.Part II: Understanding physical activity and sport in mentalhealth.3 Personal stories of sport, physical activity and mentalhealth.4 Rebuilding identity through sport and physical activity.5 Action, achievement and relationships.6 Physical activity as a stepping stone in recovery.Part III: Practice and provision of physical activity andsport.7 The culture of physical activity and sport.8 Women in sport and physical activity.9 Social support for participation.10 Practitioner perspectives.11 A story from practice.12 Looking to the future.References.Index.