Abstract

MEDILLA-ZAFRA, AURERIOUL  and  ORTEGA-TORO, ENRIQUE. Effect of Physical Activity on Anxiety and Depression Among Women: Risk Profiles. Univ. Psychol. [online]. 2009, vol.8, n.1, pp.105-116. ISSN 1657-9267.

Scientific literature indicates that there is a positive relationship between exercise and the improvement of several psychological aspects such as anxiety and depression. Some sociodemographic variables also seem to be involved in this relationship, and socio-cultural factors can be important. This study intended to find out the influence of practicing physical activity on anxiety and depression and to determine the profiles at greater risk with regard to certain sociodemographic variables (age, level of studies, occupation, and children). Participants were 200 women from the city of Cartagena, Spain, between 18 and 65 years of age. Results show that the most vulnerable groups of women for suffering greater levels of anxiety and depression are characterized by the following profiles: anxiety (sedentary women, between 18-24 years of age or older than 54 years, who have not completed studies or those with secondary studies, housewives or those who work outside the home, and those without children) and depression (sedentary women, older than 54 years of age or between 18-24 years, those with secondary studies, and housewives).

Keywords : Eexercise; Anxiety; Depression; At-Risk Profile; Woman; Women Psychology; Sports; Phylosophical Aspects; Risk-Taking (Psychology); Test Anxiety.

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