Psychological aspects of long-distance running among South African marathon runners

• Main Author: Symonds, Genevieve
• Other Authors: Van Lill, J. B. (Jacobus Burger), 1954-
• Format: Others
• Language: en
• Published: 2015
• Subjects: Long-distance running; South African long-distance runners; Marathon runners; Ultra-marathons; Psychological aspects of long-distance running; Motivation for initial participation; Motivation for continued participation; Perceived psychological benefits; Perceived negative effects; Runner's high; 796.425019; Runners (Sports); Marathon running > Psychological aspects
• Online Access: Symonds, Genevieve (1995) Psychological aspects of long-distance running among South African marathon runners, University of South Africa, Pretoria, <http://hdl.handle.net/10500/16163>; http://hdl.handle.net/10500/16163

The purpose of this study was to determine why South African long-distance runners start and continue to run long distances, what perceived psychological benefits and negative effects they experience as a result of their involvement in the sport, and what thoughts and emotions are associated with the runner's high. Questionnaires were sent to 2 000 1992 Two Oceans Marathon participants and 777 responded. Results show that South African long-distance runners start running chiefly for physical fitness and health reasons, and continue for these reasons as well as psychological benefit reasons. As a result of their involvement in the sport, they experience psychological benefits such as a positive mood, positive self-image and positive mental outlook. When unable to run, these benefits are reversed. They also experience negative effects such as relationship problems because of long-distance running. Many thoughts and emotions are associated with the runner's high, but most define it as an euphoric feeling === Art History, Visual Arts and Musicology === M.A. (Psychology)