Participants’ experiences of facilitated physical activity for the management of depression in primary care

Searle, Aidan
Haase, Anne M
Chalder, Melanie
Fox, Kenneth R
Taylor, Adrian H
Lewis, Glyn
Turner, Katrina M

¹University of Bristol, UK
²University of Exeter, UK
³University College London, UK

Aidan Searle, Lifecourse Epidemiology and Population Oral Health Group, Department of Oral and Dental Science, University of Bristol, Lower Maudlin Street, Bristol BS1 2LY, UK. Email: [email protected]

Journal of Health Psychology 19(11):p 1430-1442, November 2014. | DOI: 10.1177/1359105313493648

A qualitative study was conducted within a randomised trial of facilitated physical activity for depression based on Self-Determination Theory and motivational interviewing. Interviews were held with 19 participants at 4 months, and 12 participants were re-interviewed 8 months later. The interviews were analysed in accordance with Grounded Theory using framework. Themes consisted of the following: relationship with the physical activity facilitators, mode of facilitation, impact of contact with physical activity facilitator/assimilation and future plans, change in activity, and effectiveness of physical activity facilitator techniques. Engagement in physical activity was enhanced within an autonomy-supportive environment.