title: Effects of exercise on physical self-concept, global self-esteem, and depression in women of low socioeconomic status with elevated depressive symptoms.
abstract: We examined the possible mediating role of physical self-perceptions, physical self-esteem, and global self-esteem in the relationships between exercise and depression in a group of socioeconomically disadvantaged women with elevated symptoms of depression. Forty-four female residents of a low-income housing complex were randomized into a 7-week-long exercise-training group or a wait-list group. Depression, physical self-perceptions and self-esteem were measured repeatedly. Significant changes were found for depression, self-esteem, physical self-worth, and self-perceived physical condition in the exercise-training group. Intent-to-treat analyses did not alter the results. Most of the reduction in depression occurred between Week 2 and Week 4 while initial improvement in physical self-worth and self-perceived physical condition was observed between baseline and Week 2. These variables can be seen as plausible mechanisms for effects of exercise on depression.
authors.affiliation: EA 6291, Cognition Health and Socialization, Department of Psychology, University of Reims Champagne Ardenne, Reims, France.
authors.forename: Fabien D
authors.initials: FD
authors.lastname: Legrand
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology*; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology*; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D012649:Self Concept; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D055815:Young Adult