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The study investigated the relationship between amount of exercise and psychological well-being in a broadly based sample. A questionnaire assessing amount of exercise, reasons for exercise, body satisfaction, and self-esteem was completed by 252 participants between the ages of 16 and 60 years. Almost all participants (>95%) were White. Participants were divided into four groups on the basis of gender and age, resulting in 70 young women, 48 young men, 73 mature women, and 61 mature men. Significant negative relationships between amount of exercise and body satisfaction and selfesteem were found for young women, and positive relationships for the remainder of the sample. Women exercised more for reasons of weight control, tone, and mood enhancement than men. For the whole sample, the first two of these reasons were associated with lower body satisfaction, while exercising for health and fitness reasons was associated with increased selfesteem. It was concluded that reasons for exercising did not provide an adequate explanation for the obtained difference in correlations across gender and age.
Since the 1970s there has been an increased emphasis on health and fitness in the Western world, with promotion through magazine articles and television programs and the establishment of many gymnasiums and health clubs (e.g. Wiseman, Gray, Mosimann, & Ahrens, 1992). Correspondingly, there has been a considerable increase in the number of people undertaking regular aerobic exercise (Plante & Rodin, 1990). Not only does such exercise improve physical health, but there is now a considerable body of research consisting of both experimental and correlational studies (e.g., Stein & Motta, 1992; Bosscher, 1993) which consistently demonstrates the significant psychological benefits of regular exercise. For example, aerobic exercise has been demonstrated to elevate mood, provide a sense of mastery and control, combat state anxiety and mild depression, and enhance self-concept and self-esteem (see Plante & Rodin, 1990, Martinsen & Morgan, 1997, and Sonstroem, 1997, for reviews).
However, there are a few studies which have not reported positive psychological benefits of exercise (Blackman, Hunter, Hilyer, & Harrison, 1988; Ford, Puckett, Blessing, & Tucker, 1989; Imm & Pruitt, 1991; Boyd & Hrycaiko, 1997). Their common feature is that they investigated samples consisting of young women. One potential explanation for this lack of psychological benefit for young women may be found...