Exercise and Behavior Change in Adult Women Transitioning into Society: A Documentary Film Analysis

Abstract

The Role of Film as Persuasive Tool of Social Change: Since the introduction of cinema, both non-fiction and fictional films have been used by film makers, artists, and interest groups to change minds and mold opinions. Documentary films in particular, have a history of being used in a variety of ways to further political causes, raise social or patriotic awareness, or as a call to personal activism. In this project, the use of well designed, aesthetically pleasing documentaries have been advocated for potential use in the field of sport psychology to create awareness of the work of practitioners in order to promote healthy behaviors. Filmmaking can serve the field in a number of creative ways. A recent film is submitted as a demonstration of how a well crafted film can be utilized within the field as both a advocacy piece and an educational resource. There has been a long, historical relationship between sports and film. Throughout cinematic history there have been numerous films, both narrative and documentaries, both about sports or subjects that included sports in their story. Sports lend themselves to narrative and documentary storytelling. As a filmmaker, I was drawn to a story about a non-profit organization, "Gearing Up," which uses a bicycle exercise program to help women in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. The film explores the effectiveness of a therapeutic model developed by "Gearing Up" founder, Kristin Gavin. The production of the film, and my involvement as the producer and director, inspired me to explore the further use of documentary film as both a classroom teaching tool and a vehicle that can inspire behavioral change.