| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 894580 | Psychology of Sport and Exercise | 2013 | 8 Pages |
ObjectiveThis study investigated the influence of affect on individuals' intentions to engage in physical activities such as exercise. Behavior intentions were examined through the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB).MethodAn experimental survey was conducted among 153 undergraduates randomly assigned to three conditions – positive affect, neutral, and negative affect. Key variables from the TPB were assessed across these conditions.ResultsAnalyses showed that participants in the positive affect and the negative affect conditions reported lower intentions to exercise than those in the neutral condition. Participants in the negative affect condition also reported more unfavorable attitudes toward exercise than their positive or neutral counterparts. Other TPB measures remained stable across the three conditions. In particular, perceived behavioral control and attitude were significant predictors of behavior intention in the pooled sample.ConclusionThese results underline the important role that affect, especially negative affect, plays in individuals' decision to exercise. Rational models for health behavior change, such as the TPB, should take into account the impact of affect.
► We test the influence of positive and negative affect on intentions to exercise. ► We examine intentions to exercise through the Theory of Planned Behavior. ► Negative affect decreased attitudes toward exercise and intention to exercise. ► Positive affect did not increase intentions compared to neutral affect. ► Negative affect depresses intentions more than positive increases intentions.
