A new University of the Sunshine Coast-led study encourages psychologists to include physical activity in routine mental health therapy.
The expert global analysis found physical activity is yet to be regularly incorporated into psychological care, despite widely accepted research showing movement helps ease symptoms of depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions.
Lead author, psychologist and PhD student Indi Dissanayake said psychologists are well-positioned to help people overcome hurdles that often stop them from being more physically active.
“Psychologists are already experts in behaviour change techniques. So, they have the skills to help people build motivation, boost confidence and improve enjoyment, all of which are often barriers to staying active,” he said.
“While many psychologists recommend people engage in physical activity, only a few provide structured, personalised, ongoing support as part of regular therapy to help people follow through and unlock the benefits of this as a treatment.
“When psychologists provide this physical activity support, they can readily combine it with the traditional talk therapies they already use.”
The research suggests psychologists adopt a modified version of a well-known framework, called the “5As model” as a guide to how best to promote physical activity as part of people’s routine therapy.
Under the model, psychologists would be encouraged to:
- Ask about current activity levels
- Advise about the mental health benefits of movement
- Agree to work together to set realistic goals
- Assist in tackling any barriers
- Arrange follow-up or a referral to an exercise professional, if needed
“The framework provides a simple, practical way to help clinicians work with people to address common psychological barriers to change and, in turn, increase their physical activity levels and improve their mental health and wellbeing,” Mr Dissanayake said.
It’s not about psychologists prescribing exercise programs, said Associate Professor Daniel Fassnacht, one of the co-authors and Mr Dissanayake’s main PhD supervisor.
“It’s an opportunity for psychologists to build on their expertise, which is underpinned by cognitive and behaviour change principles, and to strengthen ties with exercise specialists,” Dr Fassnacht said.
“It’s about using the tools psychologists already have, like goal setting and motivation techniques, to help people get started and stick with it. And then connecting people, especially those who may need more tailored support, with exercise professionals.”
Clinical psychologist and co-author Dr Kathina Ali said there needs to be a stronger focus on physical activity in psychology training to ensure clinicians can safely and effectively include it in their practice.
The paper has been published in the Psychology of Sport and Exercise journal.
It involved a team from across Australia, United Kingdom, United States and Europe reviewing research and data about the benefits of physical activity and its integration into psychological care.
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