Date of Conferral

2019

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Timothy M. Lionetti

Abstract

In this study, exercise adherence levels were examined from archival data collected from 2004 to 2006 to determine if an association existed with the levels of depression among individuals over 49 in 3 rural community centers. Abundant research has shown that exercise is effective in alleviating depression but has not shown how levels of exercise adherence may impact the efficacy of exercise in the treatment of depression. The focus of the study was to determine if an increase in exercise adherence may be associated with a decrease in the symptoms of depression. An ANCOVA was used to determine if differences in levels of depression were significantly associated between low and high exercise adherence. The results did not provide evidence that a high level of exercise adherence is associated with lower symptoms of depression. An independent samples t test was used to determine if gender makes any difference in exercise adherence. The results did not provide evidence that gender made any difference in exercise adherence. An ANOVA was used to determine if the type of exercise was associated with exercise adherence. The results provided significant evidence that select exercises were adhered to more than others. A new study comparing varying levels of exercise adherence, not merely low exercise adherence and high exercise adherence, would allow for a more precise measurement of the association between exercise adherence and depression. It is hoped that providing further insight into an adjunct treatment of depression will result in an increased efficacy of treatment and a positive social change for society.

Download

Share

 
COinS