Exercise, Smoking and Depression Symptoms. A Qualitative Study

Abstract

People suffering from depression are more prone to smoking and to nicotine dependence which leads to worse their health. The purpose of this study was to describe the relationship between smoking and depression, and to investigate the role of exercise in this relationship. Two people with depression symptoms participated in an experimental process of an exercise program which examined the effects of exercise on smoking. Participants were tested at two conditions on 30 minutes exercise on cycle-ergometer (medium and high intensity) and in control condition. After completion of the experimental process people with symptoms of depression were interviewed. Both participants acknowledged the experimental procedure as an interesting experience which made them feel more powerful and active. They argued that the exercise reduces the desire to smoke, and that exercising at a high intensity for both is more interesting, but for the future they would prefer to participate in an exercise in moderate intensity. Participants have linked depression symptoms with smoking, observing increased consumption of nicotine over the symptoms and reported on the benefits of exercise on mood, since the participation in the exercise leads to increased selfconfidence
and self-esteem.