Giving Blues the Boot: A Cognitive-Behavioral Approach to Using Exercise for Women Who Are Clinically Depressed
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Authors
Wiley, Mary C.
Issue Date
2000
Type
Dissertation
Language
en
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
In the United States, depression is the number one public health problem. Over 17.6 million Americans are diagnosed with depression each year. Two-thirds of these individuals are women. Many researchers have demonstrated that exercise is one of the most effective, affordable, and time-efficient treatments for depression, especially for women. The effects of exercise are numerous, ranging from an increase in endorphins and certain neurochemicals to an increased sense of self-discipline, self-esteem, self-mastery, and self-control. A cognitive-behavioral approach was selected by this writer as the first line of treatment in conjunction with exercise. Research has determined that cognitive-behavioral therapy is one of the most effective treatments for clinical depression. The manual created for this dissertation is a step-by-step guide that shows clinicians how to use a cognitive-behavioral approach and a 10-week exercise program to treat women who are clinically depressed.