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The Effects of Physical Activity on the Physical and Psychological Health of Adolescents

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Handbook of Adolescent Health Psychology

Abstract

Because of the dramatic increase in the prevalence of adolescent obesity and because of the short- and long-term physical, psychological, and social consequences associated with this health condition, it is imperative that the adolescent obesity epidemic is addressed. Aside from managing overweight and obesity, there are many other physical, psychological, and social benefits related to increasing physical activity among adolescents. Adolescent engagement in physical activity is hindered by several environmental, cognitive, and behavioral factors. These factors need to be assessed and targeted by behavioral interventions that must be developmentally appropriate, based on health behavior theory, systematic, and comprehensive in order to effectively result in long-term changes in health behavior. There are many avenues for intervention among adolescents (e.g., family, health care provider, school, and community) and, ultimately, interventions that include multiple modalities will likely be more successful at increasing physical activity among adolescents.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, University of Nevada, 298, Reno, NV, 89557, USA

    Erika M. Shearer M.A.

  2. University of Nevada, 6490 S. McCarran Blvd. Street D1-28, Reno, NV, 89509, USA

    Brie A. Moore Ph.D.

Authors
  1. Erika M. Shearer M.A.
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  2. Brie A. Moore Ph.D.
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Correspondence to Erika M. Shearer M.A. .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. , Department of Psychology, University of Nevada, Reno, MS 0296, Reno, 89557-0062, New York, USA

    William T. O'Donohue

  2. , Department of Psychology, MS 0296, University of Nevada, Reno, North Virginia Street, Reno, 89557, Nevada, USA

    Lorraine T. Benuto

  3. , Integration Services, Aurora Mental Health Center, 11059 East Bethany Drive, Suite 105, Aurora, 80014, Colorado, USA

    Lauren Woodward Tolle

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Shearer, E.M., Moore, B.A. (2013). The Effects of Physical Activity on the Physical and Psychological Health of Adolescents. In: O'Donohue, W., Benuto, L., Woodward Tolle, L. (eds) Handbook of Adolescent Health Psychology. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6633-8_12

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