This authoritative introduction to physical activity applies the main theories, models and approaches in health promotion to the field of sport and exercise. It draws together the disciplines of psychology, sociology, physiology and social policy to look at issues affecting the health of individuals, of communities and of society as a whole.

JACQUELINE MERCHANT is Senior Lecturer in Health, teaching in the area of Sociology of Health at the University of Sunderland, UK. Previously she worked in health promotion as a research and evaluation officer after completing her MSc in Health Promotion and Health Education at the University of Edinburgh. Her teaching and research interests include women and mental health, reproductive health and young people and drug use, and she currently runs a Diploma in Drug and Alcohol Studies at Sunderland. BARBARA L. GRIFFIN is Senior Lecturer in Health Promotion at the University of Sunderland, UK. Her doctoral work focused on the performance of medical power in videotapes for health. She is a member of the University of Sunderland Primary and Community Care research group with an interest in videotapes for health, and new media in health promotion. She has published work in evaluation of health promotion projects. ANNE CHARNOCK has taught in the field of health and psychology for the past 15 years and is Senior Lecturer at the University of Sunderland, UK. Her PhD investigated 'How women with breast cancer perceive their psychological needs during the diagnostic and early treatment stage for breast cancer'. Anne's first degree is in Psychology and her MSc is in Health and Social Research. She is a member of the University of Sunderland Primary and Community Care research group with an interest in grounded theory.