Abstract
Exercise training as a protective mechanism against depression in a young population. The effects of regular physical exercise on five measures related to depression were examined. Female and male undergraduates were randomly assigned to a physical training condition (3-one hour sessions for 12 weeks) or a waiting-list control condition. Compared with the control group, in the training group there was a reduction in only one of the measures concerned with vulnerability to depression, i.e., insatisfaction, but not in the two measures of depression, nor was there an increase in measures of satisfaction with life and self-efficacy. In addition, training was especially beneficial for participants with the highest (though only moderate) initial depression levels. It is concluded that physical exercise has a protective or preventive effect with regard to depression.
