Ans David

Assessment of physical self-perceptions in normal Flemish adults versus depressed psychiatric patients

Abstract The purpose of this research was to investigate the reliability and validity of a Flemish version of the Physical Self-Perception Profile (PSPP). Males ( n =146) and females ( n =154) completed the PSPP and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Inventory, and their scores were compared to those of 217 Flemish psychiatric patients (83 males, 134 females). Confirmatory factor analysis supported a three-component structure, due to the merging of the original sports competence and physical condition subscales (CFI=0.91 in males; CFI=0.90 in females). Partial correlation analysis supported the hierarchical structure of the PSPP. The new PSPP scales manifested strong internal consistency, and discriminated between normal adults and psychiatric patients (canonical r =0.44 for males, r =0.55 for females). It was concluded that the three-component PSPP can be considered as a reliable and valid instrument for measuring physical self-perceptions in normal Flemish adults and patients with mood disorders.

Comparison of Changes in Physical Self-Concept, Global Self-Esteem, Depression and Anxiety following Two Different Psychomotor Therapy Programs in Nonpsychotic Psychiatric Inpatients

Background: The first objective of this study was to compare the changes in physical self-concept, global self-esteem, depression and anxiety after participation in one of two 16-week psychomotor therapy programs for nonpsychotic psychiatric inpatients. The second objective was to study the relationship between changes in these variables. Methods: One hundred and ninety-nine inpatients were randomly assigned to either a personalized psychomotor fitness program, consisting of aerobic exercise and weight training, or a general program of psychomotor therapy, consisting of different forms of physical exercises and relaxation training. Physical self-con cept was evaluated using the Dutch version of the Physical Self-Perception Profile at baseline, after 8 weeks, and after completion of the 16-week interventions. At the same time points, additional variables of global self-esteem, depression and anxiety were assessed by means of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Inventory, the Beck Depression Inventory and the Trait Anxiety Inventory, respectively. Results: After 16 weeks, both groups showed significant improvements in all outcome measures (p values ranged from 0.01 to < 0.0001), with no between-group differences. In both groups, the improvement in physical self-concept was correlated with increased global self-esteem and decreased depression and anxiety levels (p < 0.01). Conclusions: The results suggest that both psychomotor therapy programs are equally effective in enhancing physical self-concept. The relationship between improvements in physical self-concept and enhancements in global self-esteem, depression and anxiety supports the potential role of the physical self-concept in the recovery process of depressed and anxious psychiatric inpatients.

Relationships between self-perceptions and negative affect in adult Flemish psychiatric in-patients suffering from mood disorders

Abstract Objectives. To compare measures of physical self-perceptions and self-esteem of adult psychiatric patients suffering from mood disorders with norms of non-patients and to investigate the comparative influence of physical self-perceptions and self-esteem on indices of negative affect in these patients. Method. Cross-sectional. Adult psychiatric patients (53 males, 124 females), all with DSM-IV diagnosis of mood disorder and with elevated depression scores, completed the Physical Self-Perception Profile subscales assessing perceived sports competence and condition, body attractiveness, physical strength, and a domain scale of physical self-worth. Also assessed were global self-esteem, using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Inventory, depression, with the Beck Depression Inventory, and anxiety with the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Results. Depressed patients scored significantly lower on physical self-perceptions and global self-esteem than non-patients, consistent with the symptomatology of depression and anxiety. Partial correlation analysis and path analysis indicated that physical self-perceptions explained a significant proportion of variance in negative affects ( R 2 from 0.37 to 0.49). With the exception of trait anxiety in male patients, direct pathways became non-significant when global self-esteem was added to the model. Model fit parameters using structural equation modelling indicated the superior fit of the indirect model with global self-esteem as a mediator. Conclusion. The relationship between physical self-perceptions and negative affect is mainly indirect and mediated by global self-esteem in mood disordered psychiatric patients. The Expanded Exercise and Self-Esteem Model, which includes physical self-perceptions and self-esteem estimates, might be considered as a valuable framework for furthering our understanding of the depression and anxiety reducing potential of exercise and physical activity in clinically depressed individuals.

The effectiveness of two psychomotor therapy programmes on physical fitness and physical self-concept in nonpsychotic psychiatric patients: a randomized controlled trial

Objective: To compare the changes in cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness, and the changes in physical self-concept after participation in one of two psychomotor therapy programmes in a sample group of psychiatric patients. To study the relationship between the changes in physical fitness and the changes in physical self-concept. Design: Randomized controlled parallel-group trial with repeated measures. Setting: Three treatment units of a university psychiatric hospital in Belgium. Subjects: One hundred and ninety-nine patients with severe symptoms of depression and/or anxiety, and/or personality disorders. Interventions: A general programme of psychomotor therapy, consisting of different forms of physical exercises and relaxation training, and a personalized psychomotor fitness programme, consisting of aerobic and resistance training. These programmes were followed three times a week for a period of 16 weeks. Outcome measures: The maximum dynamic strength, the strength endurance, physical work capacity at 60% and 80% of the estimated maximal heart rate reserve, and the physical self-concept by means of the Dutch version of the Physical Self-Perception Profile. Results: After eight weeks, both groups exhibited an improvement in muscular fitness (both p-values <0.0001), but only the psychomotor fitness group had improved in cardiorespiratory fitness (p < 0.01). After 16 weeks, the patients in the general programme of psychomotor therapy had not increased in cardiorespiratory fitness. At the end of the 16-week programmes, both groups showed a more positive physical self-concept (p from 0.01 to <0.0001). However, these improvements were not related to the progress in physical fitness. Conclusions: The main difference in the effectiveness of the two programmes was the increase in cardiorespiratory fitness in the psychomotor fitness group. The gains in fitness did not play an essential role in the enhancement of physical self-concept.

Changes in psychological well-being in female patients with clinically diagnosed depression: an exploratory approach in a therapeutic setting

The objective of this exploratory one-group pretest-posttest study was to evaluate the nature of psychological change in inward depressed psychiatric patients attending multi-disciplinary treatment, including physical activity, designed to improve mental well-being. Female depressed psychiatric patients (n = 51) were examined before and after this programme over a period of 3 months. The following psychological parameters were assessed: depression, anxiety, global self-esteem, and physical self-perceptions. Depressed patients demonstrated statistically significant improvements in depression, anxiety, global self-esteem and physical self-worth (t(50) ranging from −3.76 to 4.65, all p < 0.007; ES ranging from 0.53 to −0.65). Changes in depression and anxiety displayed a strong negative correlation with changes in global self-esteem, and those changes are independent of the initial severity of the depressive symptoms ( F(2,48) ranging from 0.03 to 0.70, n.s.). Patients with greater improvement in physical self-perceptions reported greater improvement anxious symptoms then patients who did not improve. Consequently, within the limitations of the research design it can be concluded that the programme appeared successful in improving psychological well-being in female depressed patients. Results also provide preliminary insight into the potential role of the physical self in recovery.