Examining exercise dependence symptomatology from a self-determination perspective

Background: Based on the theoretical propositions of Self-Determination Theory (SDT; Deci & Ryan, 1985) this study examined whether individuals classified as “nondependent-symptomatic” and “nondependent-asymptomatic” for exercise dependence differed in terms of the level of exercise-related psychological need satisfaction and self-determined versus controlling motivation they reported. Further, we examined if the type of motivational regulations predicting exercise behaviour differed among these groups. Methods: Participants (N = 339), recruited from fitness, community, and retail settings, completed measures of exercise-specific psychological need satisfaction, motivational regulations, exercise behaviour and exercise dependence. Results: Individuals who were nondependent-symptomatic for exercise dependence reported higher levels of competence need satisfaction and all forms of motivational regulation, compared to nondependent-asymptomatic individuals. Introjected regulation approached significance as a positive predictor of strenuous exercise behaviour for symptomatic individuals. Identified regulation was a positive predictor of strenuous exercise for asymptomatic individuals. Conclusions: The findings reinforce the applicability of SDT to understanding engagement in exercise

Exercise dependence and elite athletes: perceptions of coaches of elite athletes.

Exercise dependence (EXD) is a psychological condition associated with physical, emotional, social and performance consequences. Despite growing awareness of the prevalence of EXD within the athletic population, the symptoms or dimensions that comprise the condition largely remain unclear. The aim of the present study was to examine the perceptions of coaches relating to the symptoms or dimensions that define EXD among athletes. Participants were 90 coaches of elite athletes employed by the Australian Institute of Sport and State Institutes of Sport in Australia. Coaches completed an EXD checklist and a separate checklist of characteristics of committed exercisers. Both checklists contained 31 dimensions. The results supported a constellation of cognitive, emotional, behavioral, physical, social and performance dimensions. The results are discussed in terms of the consequences of EXD for elite athletes. Implications for coaches and teammates of elite athletes who experience EXD are also highlighted

Evaluation of the New Deal for Disabled People Personal Adviser Service pilot

SIGLEAvailable from British Library Document Supply Centre-DSC:7761.4773(no 144) / BLDSC - British Library Document Supply CentreGBUnited Kingdo

New Deal for disabled people National survey of incapacity benefits claimants

Report of research carried out by the National Centre for Social Research and the Centre for Research in Social PolicyAvailable from British Library Document Supply Centre-DSC:7761.4795(no 160) / BLDSC - British Library Document Supply CentreSIGLEGBUnited Kingdo

New Deal for Disabled People: early implementation

This report presents the interim findings of the evaluation of the New Deal for Disabled People (NDDP) Personal Adviser Service pilot. The aims of the evaluation are to assess how well the NDDP Personal Adviser Service helps people find, or remain in work, and to advise about what is effective in the programme and what is not. The report draws on research conducted during the first year of the pilot including: depth interviews with clients, Personal Advisers, and employers, a survey of clients and non-participants and labour market studies. Research is ongoing and further findings will be published in the future. The main findings were An active Personal Adviser Service had been established in each pilot area, and much has been achieved. There was evidence that take-up and awareness of the service could be increased. About a third of clients reported a mental health condition as their main health problem, and the same proportion had been out of the labour market for 5 years or more. Clients differ in terms of their motivation and readiness for work. High levels of satisfaction were recorded among clients though not all clients felt they were part of an ongoing programme of action. Clients appreciated the opportunity to discuss their employment prospects with experts, and welcomed the access to training, work experience and other services made available throughout the service. Communications between Personal Advisers were generally good, though sometimes clients felt frustrated when they thought they had received inadequate benefits advice or the options suggested were unsuitable. Employers said they required specialist advice, financial support, in work support and opportunities for work trials from the Personal Adviser Service. There were different views about whether these needs were met and about satisfaction with the service, though those who had contact with it were generally keen to continue to be involved

Out of touch: local government and disabled people's employment needs.

In autumn 2003 we contracted to undertake a study in two district council areas of ways in which they could meet their Local Public Service Agreement (LPSA) targets in respect of disabled people returning to work. We undertook a literature review of barriers to work, interviewed a number of people involved in working with unemployed people and a number of disabled people in these areas. All the employment organisations we had contact with were working to an individual model of disability and the need to change their orientation became the central recommendation of the first phase of this study. This was rejected by those funding the study. At the end of the first year none of the organisations active in this area was able to identify a single disabled person who had returned to work as a result of their help. We conclude that central government policies are doing little to change the perception of the employment needs of disabled people within local government