People have feelings! Exercise psychology in paradigmatic transition

- Exercise psychology has not produced interventions that can increase physical activity.
- Popular theories reflect narrow focus on information-processing as basis of behavior.
- Transition to dual-process models is needed, recognizing the important role of affect.
- Inactivity may result from positive reflective evaluations but past displeasure.
- Research should examine methods of improving the affective experience of exercise.

Exercise psychology has yet to produce intervention methods capable of increasing exercise and physical activity behavior in a sustainable manner. This situation is forcing a critical reevaluation of current conceptual models, especially the assumption that behavioral decisions are driven solely by the rational evaluation of information. Like other behavioral sciences, exercise psychology is transitioning to dual-process models that acknowledge the importance of non-reflective processes. Emerging evidence suggests that the pleasure or displeasure experienced during exercise may influence subsequent physical activity. These data raise the possibility of inactivity resulting from a conflict between positively evaluated information on health benefits and unpleasant affective experiences. Thus, researchers must devise methods to make exercise and physical activity more pleasant and enjoyable across the lifespan.