Personal Meanings, Values and Feelings Relating to Physical Activity and Exercise Participation in Female Undergraduates: A Qualitative Exploration

Understanding was sought of the ways that female students understand and feel about physical activity and exercise participation, to inform effective and ethical intervention. Sixteen women participated in semi-structured interviews which were analysed thematically, using QSR NUD*IST 4. Physical act...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of health psychology 2009-09, Vol.14 (6), p.751-760
Main Authors: Bulley, Catherine, Donaghy, Marie, Payne, Andrew, Mutrie, Nanette
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Attitude to Health
Biological and medical sciences
Exercise - psychology
Female
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Humans
Illness and personality
Interviews as Topic
Personality, behavior and health
Physical activity
Psychology and medicine
Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry
Psychology. Psychophysiology
Qualitative analysis
Students
United Kingdom
Values
Women
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Summary:Understanding was sought of the ways that female students understand and feel about physical activity and exercise participation, to inform effective and ethical intervention. Sixteen women participated in semi-structured interviews which were analysed thematically, using QSR NUD*IST 4. Physical activity and exercise proved emotive topics and meant different things to different people. Some women associated physical activity and exercise with enjoyment, or achieving their goals. Others saw exercise in particular as a duty, associated with feelings of guilt and inadequacy. Findings supported the value of promoting realistic goals, and careful choice of activities according to individual preferences.
ISSN:1359-1053
1461-7277
DOI:10.1177/1359105309338896