Department(s)
Social Science
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2017
Abstract
This quasi-experimental study examined whether engaging in physical exercise integrated with a Christian religious focus would result in decreased body shape preoccupation and improved mental and emotional health. Data were collected at the beginning and end of an eight-week period from female and male college students in three conditions: (1) group exercise sessions integrating an explicit religious focus, (2) standard group exercise, and (3) a control condition without activities. The religious exercise group decreased in body shape preoccupation to a greater extent than the control group, but the groups did not differ in other psychological symptoms or affect. This offers an initial indication that integrating a religious focus with exercise may potentially offer a unique method for addressing body shape preoccupation that is not accounted for by improvements in mental health or affect. If confirmed through additional research, infusing a religious focus into exercise regimens might inspire a practical, inexpensive method of targeting body shape dissatisfaction among young adults.
Publication Title
Mental Health, Religion & Culture
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1080/13674676.2017.1313208
Recommended Citation
Krumrei-Mancuso, E. J. (2017). Links between religiously-focused exercise and body shape preoccupation among young adults. Mental Health, Religion & Culture, 10, 1069-1085. https://doi.org/10.1080/13674676.2017.1313208
