LE3 .A278 2006

2006

McLeod, Peter

Acadia University

Master of Science

Masters

Clinical Psychology

Psychology

The present study examined the relative effectiveness of aerobic exercise and yoga in reducing depressive symptoms among a female clinical sample. Research has consistently shown that aerobic exercise can reduce symptoms of depression, however, there is little research comparing the anti-depressant effects of different forms of physical activity. A clinical sample of 26 females who had sought treatment for depression were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: an aerobic exercise, yoga, or control condition. Both the aerobic exercise and yoga conditions met for hourly classes twice a week for five weeks. The participants completed the questionnaire package consisting of the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), State Trait Anxiety Inventory-State Version (STAI-S), and Depression Coping Self-Efficacy Scale (DCSES) at week one, three, and five. As predicted, results indicated that women in both the aerobic and yoga conditions reported significant reductions in their symptoms of depression and anxiety as compared to women in the control condition. Although women in the aerobic and yoga conditions reported increases in their self-efficacy coping, no significant differences between the exercise and control conditions were evident. Lastly, results of the present study suggest that aerobic activity and yoga are equally effective in their anti-depressant effects.

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