The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a physical activity (PA) intervention program designed to enhance levels of engagement in PA. Despite robust evidence supporting the beneficial effects of PA on overall health, only about 22% of individuals engage in the recommended minimum amount of PA. Recent surveys suggested that most individuals express intentions to be physically active, though the psychological state of amotivation dismissed these struggles. In the current study, we pilot-tested a new intervention program, aimed at enhancing engagement in PA among sedentary individuals. The intervention was based on two behavioral change and motivational psychological frameworks: Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). During a 14-week intervention program, 94 sedentary Israeli college students (Mage = 24.4, SD = 1.42, Females = 89) were randomly assigned into one of three groups: SDT and ACT-based intervention, traditional intervention, and a non-treatment group. Prior to and following the intervention, participants completed the Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire-3 (BREQ-3) to examine motivation to exercise and the International Physical Activity Measurement IPAQ to evaluate their training frequency. Results showed that the SDT and ACT-based intervention group exhibited a significant increase in motivation to exercise between time 1 and time 2, while the other two groups (i.e., the traditional intervention program and the non-treatment group) showed insignificant differences in motivation to exercise. Furthermore, neither of the groups showed significant differences in their training frequency per week. However, those in the SDT and ACT-based groups reported an increase in activity intensity from time 1 to time 2 compared to the two other groups. Further, exercise psychology consultants and scholars can use the intervention protocol and utilize these findings to improve PA behaviors and promote health in the general population. Limitations, future directions, and implications are discussed in detail.

Objectives: This randomized controlled trial evaluates a single-session Mindfulness Self-Compassion (MSC) intervention for enhancing interoceptive awareness (AI) and alleviating anxiety and reducing pain in Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) patients. The study also examines the intervention’s feasibility and the mediating role of IA in improving clinical outcomes, incorporating nature visuals to address treatment accessibility and adherence. Methods/analysis: Sixty-four FMS patients were randomized into three groups: MSC with audio-only, MSC with audio and nature visuals, or a waitlist control. Validated scales measured interoceptive awareness, anxiety, and pain pre- and post-intervention. ANOVA examined primary outcomes, and mediation analysis explored interoceptive awareness as a mediator. A 7-minute intervention duration was chosen for its balance of effectiveness and feasibility, with nature visuals selected for their calming effects. Findings: Both MSC groups showed significant improvements in IA, anxiety, and pain compared to the control group, with the audio-visual group showing the strongest effects. Enhanced interoceptive awareness significantly mediated anxiety reduction but not pain relief. Nature visuals further reduced anxiety and pain compared to audio-only. Novelty/improvement: This study validates the efficacy of a single-session MSC intervention for FMS, highlighting IA as a crucial mediator of anxiety improvement. Incorporating sensory-rich visual elements enhances therapeutic effects, offering a promising approach for MSC interventions in clinical settings. Future research should explore long-term benefits and optimal dosage of this innovative intervention, addressing the need for accessible, cost-effective FMS treatments.

This research investigates the impact of varying levels of sports participation on college students’ self-perception and their sense of connection to their educational institution, with a specific focus on an Israeli context. Recognizing the gap in the existing literature regarding the nuanced effects of different degrees of sports engagement, this study aims to offer insights into how sports involvement shapes students’ academic, social, and psychological experiences. Utilizing a qualitative approach, the research involved conducting 26 semi-structured interviews with undergraduate students from a northern Israeli college, encompassing a diverse range of sports participation levels, from occasional involvement to committed varsity athletes. The findings reveal that sports participation significantly enhances students’ perceptions of their academic and social abilities, fosters a sense of belonging to the institution, and cultivates institutional pride, regardless of the level of involvement. Particularly noteworthy is the positive correlation between sports engagement and heightened self-esteem and self-efficacy. This study contributes to the understanding of the broader impacts of sports in higher education, highlighting its role in personal development and institutional affiliation. The research underscores the need for further studies in varied cultural contexts to deepen the understanding of these dynamics. Additionally, the study’s focus on an Israeli sample provides a unique perspective on the role of sports in a culture where collegiate sports are less academically explored. This research serves as a stepping stone for future quantitative investigations to objectively measure and enhance the understanding of the relationship between sports participation and student development in higher education.

Body image concerns among men—particularly muscularity-oriented eating behaviours, muscle dysmorphia, and exercise addiction—are increasingly recognized but remain understudied in relation to sexual orientation. Existing research suggests that gay men may be more vulnerable to these issues, yet the nature of their interrelationships remains unclear. This study examined the associations among muscularity-oriented eating behaviours, muscle dysmorphia, and exercise addiction in gay and heterosexual men and tested whether sexual orientation moderated these associations. A sample of 168 physically active men (104 heterosexual, 64 gay) completed validated self-report questionnaires. Analyses included independent samples t-tests, multiple regression, and moderation using the PROCESS macro. Gay men reported significantly higher levels of muscularity-oriented eating behaviours (p = .006, d = 0.44), muscle dysmorphia (p < .001, d = 0.66), and exercise addiction (p = .002, d = 0.50) compared to heterosexual men. Regression analyses showed that both muscularity-oriented eating behaviours and muscle dysmorphia were significantly associated with exercise addiction, jointly accounting for 42% of the variance. Moderation analyses further revealed that sexual orientation significantly moderated these associations, with stronger links observed among gay men for both muscularity-oriented eating behaviours and muscle dysmorphia in relation to exercise addiction. These findings reveal important clinical implications for professionals working with male populations experiencing body image concerns. The stronger association between body image concerns and exercise behaviours in gay men highlights the need for targeted assessment strategies that consider sexual orientation as a meaningful factor in clinical presentations. Results support an integrated approach to screening and treatment that addresses these interconnected concerns simultaneously rather than as separate issues. Clinicians should incorporate muscularity-oriented assessment tools when working with men and develop interventions that specifically address the unique manifestations of body image distress in diverse male populations. Future research should explore underlying sociocultural mechanisms using longitudinal and mixed method approaches to further refine these clinical applications. Many men today are concerned about how their bodies look, especially when it comes to being muscular and lean. For some, this can lead to strict eating habits focused on gaining muscle—a condition called muscle dysmorphia (MD)—or to exercising so much that it becomes hard to stop, which researchers refer to as exercise addiction (EA). Previous research has shown that gay men may be especially affected by these concerns. However, we do not yet know how these issues are connected, or how sexual orientation might influence them. In this study, 168 men (104 heterosexual and 64 gay) answered questionnaires about their eating habits, body image concerns, and exercise behaviours. The results showed that gay men reported higher levels of muscle-focused eating behaviours, symptoms of MD, and signs of EA compared to heterosexual men. We also found that the link between body image concerns and compulsive exercise was stronger among gay men. These findings suggest that some men—particularly gay men—may be more likely to struggle with intense concerns about muscularity and exercise. While this study did not examine the underlying reasons, it highlights the need for future research into the social and psychological factors that may contribute to these patterns. These insights may help inform support, prevention, and treatment programs that are sensitive to men’s diverse experiences with body image.

This study explores the multifaceted motivations behind parental decisions to enroll their children in organized sports, with a focus on how these decisions intersect with gender norms and values. Through qualitative interviews with mothers and fathers in Israel, this research uncovers a complex interplay between societal expectations, personal values, and the gender identities of both parents and children. A thematic analysis of the interviews revealed that despite a societal shift towards more gender-neutral perspectives, traditional gender roles persist, particularly in the attitudes of fathers towards the sports participation of their sons. This research identifies a paradox where girls are encouraged to participate in a broader range of sports, including those traditionally viewed as masculine, while boys face more restrictions, particularly against engaging in sports perceived as feminine. Mothers generally exhibit more flexibility in challenging gender norms, suggesting the potential for gradual change in future generations. This study’s findings contribute to the understanding of how parental guidance shapes children’s sports involvement and the perpetuation or challenging of gender norms within this context. Future research could benefit from a broader, more diverse sample and a mixed-methods approach to enhance generalizability and reduce potential biases.

Exercise addiction (EA) is a maladaptive pattern of excessive exercise despite negative physical, psychological, and social consequences. The Expanded Exercise Addiction Inventory (EAI-3) was developed to improve the assessment of EA. This study validates the Hebrew version of the EAI-3 in Israel, where physical fitness is closely tied to national identity and military culture. A sample of 367 recreational exercisers (140 men, 227 women; aged 18-45) completed the Hebrew EAI-3, the Exercise Dependence Scale-Revised (EDS-R), and the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and measurement invariance testing were conducted. CFA supported a two-factor structure (Health Relevance and Addiction Tendency). A 7-item version demonstrated superior psychometric properties compared to the original 8-item scale. Internal consistency was moderate (α=0.61), but McDonald's omega (ω=0.68) indicated better reliability. The EAI-3 showed strong convergent validity with the EDS-R (r=0.45) and concurrent validity with the EAT-26 (r=0.24). The 7-item version achieved scalar invariance across gender, allowing for meaningful comparisons. The Hebrew EAI-3 is a valid tool for assessing risk of exercise addiction in Israeli exercisers. The 7-item version is recommended for clinical and research applications, particularly for gender-based analyses.