Date of Conferral
5-13-2025
Date of Award
May 2025
Degree
Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)
School
Psychology
Advisor
Benita Stiles-Smith
Abstract
Nearly half of individuals diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) who are provided with an SSRI or SNRI medication do not experience a clinically meaningful reduction of symptoms or a full remission of symptoms. A gap in the literature existed for comparisons of treatment approaches and their outcomes for GAD symptoms and self-efficacy levels. Research questions for this study were: Is there a difference in GAD symptoms between the CrossFit participants and pharmacology participants at the point of three months treatment regimen?, and Is there a difference in self-efficacy levels between the CrossFit participants and pharmacology participants at the point of three months treatment regimen? Underpinning the study were the biopsychosocial model, social cognitive theory, and the collaborative care model. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 and the Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale were completed by 128 participants, split between CrossFit participants and pharmacology participants. A quantitative quasi-comparative approach was used for data analysis. Outcomes showed a statistically significant difference in GAD symptoms between the CrossFit and pharmacology participants though there was not a statistically significant difference in self-efficacy levels between the two groups. The implications for positive social change include increased positive patient outcomes with CrossFit exercise providing an alternative treatment option for GAD that may contribute to improved quality of life, general overall health, and reduced health care costs.
Recommended Citation
Fleming, Priscilla Kay, "The Effects of CrossFit and Pharmacology on Generalized Anxiety Disorder Symptoms and Self-Efficacy Levels" (2025). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 17757.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/17757
