ASSUMPTIONS IN HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY
The exercise literature illustrates some of the assumptions central to health psychology:
1 The mind–body problem. Research into exercise maintains the mind–body split.
This is illustrated in the discussion of the benefits of exercise (physical and psycho-
logical) and the reasons for exercising (e.g. health and fitness versus enjoyment).
2 Data exist independently of the methodology used. If different sets of cognitions
are measured according to the different models, do these beliefs exist prior to the
subject being asked about them (e.g. do you think health is important, primes the
subject to think about health as having a value)? Methodology is seen as objective,
and not interacting with the ‘data’.FURTHER READING
➧ Dishman, R.K. (1982) Compliance/adherence in health-related exercise, Health
Psychology, 1: 237–67.
This paper examines the literature on factors predicting exercise behaviour.➧ Marcus, B.H., Rakowski, W. and Rossi, J.S. (1992) Assessing motivational
readiness and decision-making for exercise, Health Psychology, 22: 3–16.
This paper applies the trans-theoretical approach to exercise behaviour and
illustrates the extent to which research can be used to change behaviour.? QUESTIONS
1 Exercise has both psychological and physical benefits. Discuss.
2 To what extent can we predict exercise behaviour?
3 How does the exercise research contribute to our understanding of the mind–
body problem?
4 How can psychological models be used to promote exercise behaviour?
5 Exercise behaviour occurs within a social context. Discuss.
6 Describe a possible research project designed to predict attendance at an
exercise class.FOR DISCUSSION
Consider your own exercise behaviour and discuss the extent to which your health
beliefs are contributing factors.182 HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY