I hate sports: Uncovering and Modifying Hidden barriers to become more physically active
Method Stream: Longitudinal Intensive Methods
ECs Both 14 and 23 EC thesis possible
Description:
Research on physical activity has traditionally focused on conscious cognitive determinants such as attitudes and self-efficacy. However, affective and implicit processes, such as automatically associating physical activity with pleasure or discomfort, may play an important role in explaining why some people enjoy being active while others strongly dislike it. This is reflected in the following quote: “I know exercise is good for me, but I hate the feeling of being sweaty and tired....”
Recent developments allow researchers to both measure implicit associations (using Implicit Association Tests; IATs) and modify them (using Cognitive Bias Modification; CBM). The goal of CBM is to strengthen automatic associations between physical activity and positive affect, potentially supporting more favorable motivational and behavioral outcomes.
In this project, you will use existing data of an experimental pretest–posttest study but will also collect new data. Participants’ implicit associations with physical activity will first be assessed using an online IAT implemented in Qualtrics. Participants will then be randomly assigned to either an intervention group, which completes a brief CBM training via the TIIM app over approximately one week, or a control group that receives no training. At post-test, implicit attitudes, explicit affective and motivational variables, and self-reported physical activity will be reassessed.
Your research question will focus on how CBM influences implicit affective associations with physical activity and whether these changes are related to motivational, affective, or behavioral outcomes. You can examine individual differences by including theoretically justified moderators (e.g., baseline implicit attitudes, motivation, exercise identity).
Who are we looking for?
Students interested in why some people enjoy physical activity while others dislike it and in novel intervention techniques.
References
- Brand R and Ekkekakis P. (2018). Affective-reflective theory of physical inactivity and exercise. Foundations and preliminary evidence. GER J EXERC SPORT RES 2018 · 48:48–58 https://doi.org/10.1007/s12662-017-0477-9
- Chevance G, Bernard P, Chamberland PE and Rebar A (2019). The association between implicit attitudes toward physical activity and physical activity behaviour: a systematic review and correlational meta-analyses. HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY REVIEW2019, VOL. 13, NO. 3, 248–276: https://doi.org/10.1080/17437199.2019.1618726 https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17437199.2019.1618726?src=recsys
- Amanda L. Rebar, James A. Dimmock, Ben Jackson, Ryan E. Rhodes, Andrew
Kates, Jade Starling & Corneel Vandelanotte (2016). A systematic review of the effects of nonconscious regulatory processes in physical activity, Health Psychology Review, 10:4, 395-407, https://doi.org/10.1080/17437199.2016.1183505
- Hagger, M. S. (2016). Non-conscious processes and dual-process theories in health psychology. Health Psychology Review, 10(4), 375–380. https://doi.org/10.1080/17437199.2016.1244647