title: Substituting activities mediates the effect of cognitive flexibility on physical activity: a daily diary study.
abstract: Pursuit of physical activity goals often requires modifying plans, but research on these flexible processes is limited. Cognitive flexibility may heighten one's likelihood of using flexible self-regulatory strategies (e.g., substitution), thereby increasing physical activity. This study used daily diary methodology to test the indirect effect of cognitive flexibility on physical activity via activity substitution. A sample of 128 college students (73% female, mean age 19.9) completed baseline measures and cognitive flexibility assessments, then logged physical activity daily for 2 weeks. Activity substitution was defined as adopting an alternate activity on a day another planned activity was unfulfilled. Controlling for baseline activity, intentions, and time, a multilevel mediation model revealed a significant indirect effect of cognitive flexibility on physical activity via activity substitution (b = 81.36, p = .041). Our results indicate that people with greater cognitive flexibility are more likely to use flexible self-regulation, leading to greater physical activity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242-0001, USA. smccull5@kent.edu.
authors.forename: Scout M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Kelly
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242-0001, USA.
authors.forename: John A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Updegraff
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology*; D056344:Executive Function / Q000502:physiology*; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D008297:Male; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Executive function; Health behavior; Physical activity; Self-regulation; Task-switching