The Effect of Remembered Affect on Voluntary Exercise and Depressive Symptoms

Abstract

The Effect of Remembered Affect on Voluntary Exercise and Depressive Symptoms There is a vast amount of literature on the benefits of exercise. Exercise has been shown to reduce the risk of developing obesity, cancer, and cardiovascular disease (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2014). Exercise not only benefits physical health but has been shown to reduce the incidence of a variety of mental health concerns and to promote well-being (Penedo & Dahn, 2005). In fact, as a method for treating depression and anxiety, exercise produces reductions in symptoms comparable to medication and cognitive behavioral therapy (Dunn, Trivedi, Kampert, Clark, & Chambliss, 2005).