Exploring the Role of Physical Health Interventions in the Management of Mental Health Disorders: A Comparative Study of Mental Health and Kinesiology Professionals' Perspectives
Date of Award
Spring 3-20-2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Kinesiology (PhD)
Department
Kinesiology
Abstract
The study's purpose was to understand the factors that may influence the use of physical health interventions in the mental health treatment process. The lack of professional guidelines for kinesiology professionals has been linked to an implementation gap of evidenced based exercise prescription in the prevention of the physical health comorbidities associated with mental illness. These comorbidities are linked to a 15-20 year decrease in life expectancy, long-term disability, and increased healthcare costs. The Exercise in Mental Illness Questionnaire-Health Professional (EMIQ-HP) was used in the study to compare the mental health and kinesiology professional perspective in the domains of exercise knowledge, beliefs, prescription behavior and barriers to exercise used during a mental health treatment plan. The results of the study reflected differences between the two professional groups' perspectives in these domains and further research is needed to understand how these differences influenced the implementation of exercise programing in the United States healthcare system.