In-task and post-task affective response to exercise: translating exercise intentions into behaviour.
OBJECTIVE
To test whether affective response to an acute bout of exercise can predict regular voluntary exercise, and specifically whether a positive affective response helps translate intentions into behaviour.


METHODS
A prospective correlational design.


METHODS
Participants (N=127) recruited from the community reported intentions to engage in voluntary exercise and frequency of participation in voluntary exercise both at baseline and at a 3-month follow-up. Self-reported positive affect, negative affect, tranquillity, and fatigue were assessed during a bout of moderate intensity exercise.


RESULTS
Within subject slopes for increases in positive affect and decreases in fatigue during exercise, and increased tranquillity and decreased fatigue post-exercise were associated with more frequent participation in exercise at follow-up. Changes in negative affect did not predict exercise at follow-up; however, this was likely due to floor effects leading to lack of baseline variability in negative affect. Importantly, a positive affective response to exercise moderated the intention-behaviour relationship, such that those who responded to exercise more favourably exhibited stronger relationships between intentions and future exercise behaviour Conclusions: We conclude that exercise-related increases in positive affect and tranquillity and decreases in feelings of fatigue can aid in the successful translation of exercise intentions into behaviour.
Kwan
Bethany M
BM
Department of Psychology, University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80309, USA. bethany.kwan@colorado.edu
Bryan
Angela
A
D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect / Q000502:physiology*; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology*; D005221:Fatigue / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D008297:Male; D005082:Physical Exertion / Q000502:physiology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012650:Self Disclosure; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D014481:United States; D014505:Urban Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D055815:Young Adult