1. Decreasing Depression
Through Exercise
Kristen Wright
Health Promotion Project Two
A Project Presented to Meet Partial Requirements
For Nursing 520
Health Promotion Across a Lifespan
Southern Adventist University
School Of Nursing

2. Program Significance
 Major Depressive Disorder has been estimated to
affect roughly 6.7% of American adults. It has a
median onset of 32 years and it generally affects
women more than men (Ford-Martin, Odle, 2011).
 Most people are treated with antidepressants and
psychosocial therapy to evaluate the reasons for the
depression. Studies have shown that aerobic exercise
can also be a positive treatment in depressive
disorders (Hoffman, et al., 2010).

3. Health Promotion Subject
 CM a 34 year old female
 5’6”, 140 pounds
 BMI 22.6
 College educated
 Works in marketing, as well as part time in the restaurant
industry
 Single
 Exercises occasionally
 Overall good health history, positive for depression

4. Health Promotion Focus
 After using the Belloc and Breslow’s & Healthy Habits
Assessment Tool it was determined that the focus of
this health promotion project would be on using
exercise to decrease the effects of depression.
 This will be accomplished by adding an exercise
regimen of 30-45 minutes of cardiovascular exercise 3-
4 days per week for a two month period.

5. Healthy People 2020 Goals
 Goal: “Improve mental health through prevention and by ensuring
access to appropriate, quality mental health services.”
 Mental health disorders are one the most common causes of
disability in the United States and Canada.
 Connection between mental health and physical health are closely
linked.
 Many mental disorders, including depression, affect individuals’
ability to participate in health promoting behaviors and activity.
(Healthy People 2020, 2013)

6. Healthy People 2020 Goals
 Goal: “Improve health, fitness, and quality of life through
daily physical activity.”
 More than 80% of Americans do not follow or meet the
guidelines for exercise set forth by the 2008 publication
Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans.
 Positive benefits of exercise include; lowering the risk of stroke,
heart disease, high blood pressure, colon and breast cancer,
and type 2 diabetes. Benefits also include improved
cardiovascular fitness and reduced symptoms of depression.
(Healthy People 2020,
2013)

7. Trans-Theoretical Model of
Change
 Evaluates a person’s readiness for change through a
five stage process; pre-contemplation, contemplation,
preparation for action, action, and maintenance
(Simmons-Morton, Melroy, & Wendell, 2012)

8. Learning Theory
 The Health Promotion Model proposed by Pender is an effective tool that can
be used when trying to change a behavior. Several factors make up this
model and are important when evaluating the way to proceed with behavior
change.
 Prior related behavior: has enjoyed being active in the past
 Personal factor: currently engaging in counseling and other healthy behaviors
 Perceived benefits of action: will be less depressed and in better physical shape
 Perceived barriers to action: work schedule, weather, and lack of energy and
motivation
 Perceived self efficacy: knows that she can achieve this but is concerned she will
lack the motivation
 Interpersonal influences: supportive social network
 Situational influences: supportive work environment and living situation
(Pender,Murdaugh,
& Parsons, 2011)

9. Program Evaluation
 Green and Kreuter’s PRECEDE-PROCEDE model was
used to evaluate the program from beginning to end.
 The PRECEDE portion of the model is used to evaluate
the best ways to construct and implement a program.

10. Program Evaluation
 The PROCEDE portion of this model actually involves
the implementation of the program and the evaluation
of the program both during the program and at the
conclusion.

11. Evaluation Tool
 A survey that assessed depression like behavior was
given to CM at the beginning and end of the program.
 Topics included feelings of sadness, energy level, sleep
patterns, participation in social activities, and
enjoyment of activities.

12. Results
 Less depressed thoughts
 Increased energy and activity level
 Participating in more social activities

13. Program
Maintenance
 The positive results from this program have
encouraged CM to to continue with this program

14. Conclusion
 Research and evidence supports that exercise
improves mood, increases energy levels, and promotes
an overall healthier person
 Results in this study support this research

15. References
Healthy People 2020. (2013). 2020 Topics and Objectives.
Retrieved from http://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/
topicsobjectives2020/
Green, L.W., & Kreuter , M.W. Health Promotion and
Planning: An Educational and Ecological Approach (4
ed). New York, NY: McGraw Hill.
Pender, N., Murdaugh, c., & Parsons, M. (2011). Health
Promotion in Nursing Practice (6th ed.). Boston, MA:
Pearson.
Simons-Morton, B., McLEroy, K., &Wendel, M. (2012).
Behavior Theory in Health Promortion Practice and
Research. Burlington,MA: Jones and Bartlett
Learning.