Abstract

Research has shown physical activity (PA) to result in a reduction in depressed mood. The effects have been examined for different age groups, however, it is unclear whether PA effects differ in older adults. A prospective cohort study (N = 6,463) examined duration and intensity of PA in relation to mood in the Biopsychosocial Religion and Health Study (BRHS). Depressed mood indices were expected to be predicted by lower levels of PA and individuals in younger age groups were expected to receive a greater reduction in depressed mood after PA than those in older age groups. Previous PA (minutes of vigorous PA per week) of all participants had a small protective effect against depressed mood 1-3 years later. A one hour daily increase in vigorous PA may result in a meaningful impact on depressive symptoms. PA was protective of depressed mood in participants falling within the oldest quartile but not the three younger quartiles. Age was also a significant predictor of later depressed mood in older adults but not in younger adults indicating PA may be more important in an older population who could be more at risk for depressed mood.

LLU Discipline

Psychology

Department

Psychology

School

School of Behavioral Health

First Advisor

Morton, Kelly R.

Second Advisor

Boyd, Kendal C.

Third Advisor

Fraser, Gary E.

Fourth Advisor

Tonstad, Serena

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Degree Level

Ph.D.

Year Degree Awarded

2014

Date (Title Page)

9-2014

Language

English

Library of Congress/MESH Subject Headings

Mood Disorders - Psychology; Mental Health - Aged; Exercise Therapy; Geriatric Assessment; Activities of Daily Living - Psychology - Aged; Physical Fitness - Aged

Subject - Local

Depression; Physical Activity; Biopsychosocial Religion and Health Study; Older Adults; Depressed Mood Indices

Type

Dissertation

Page Count

59

Digital Format

PDF

Digital Publisher

Loma Linda University Libraries

Usage Rights

This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.

Collection

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Collection Website

http://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/

Repository

Loma Linda University. Del E. Webb Memorial Library. University Archives

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Psychology Commons

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