The effect of physical exercise on anxiety among the victims of child abuse

Abstract

The victims of child abuse show more maladaptive behaviors compared to the normal children due to the behavioral problems such as anxiety and isolation consistent with their conditions. The present study was conducted with the aim of investigating the effect of physical exercise on anxiety among the victims of child abuse. The research method was quasi-experimental of pretest–posttest type with a control group. The statistical population of this research included all the students who were the victims of child abuse in Tehran during 2017–2018. Among them, 22 individuals were selected through random cluster sampling method and were randomly assigned into test (experimental) and control group. A pre-test was performed for both groups and then the physical exercise was applied for 8 weeks on the test group; while the control group did not receive any intervention. In the end, a post-test was performed for both groups. Data collection was conducted using State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) along with using SPSS software was used to analyze the data. The results indicated that physical exercise has reduced anxiety among the victims of child abuse (p < 0.01). Therefore, consistent with the findings that confirm the effect of physical exercise on anxiety reduction among children who were victims of child abuse, it is recommended to design and implement physical exercise and extracurricular sport activities in order to reduce anxiety of these people.