Emotional experiences and interpersonal relations in physical activity as health prevention and treatment: a psychodynamic group approach

In the present chapter the author examines psychological aspects of physical activity in disease prevention and management. Exploring three cases, the author investigates the psychological impact in patients with lifestyle diseases, endocrinological diseases, and substance abuse. To further understanding of the motivation but also the concerns of patients, the author presents empirical research and discusses this with regard to international findings. Taking a theory-driven psychodynamic approach, the author focuses on the interactional aspects of health interventions. Commitment to exercise depends on psychological aspects such as responsibility and fear, need for structure, and locus of control, as well as group psychological aspects such as togetherness and commitment to a group. Further psychological and organizational perspectives associated with the development of programs dealing with physical activity as a treatment are discussed.