Harmony in Motion: Unveiling the Dance Between Conscious and Unconscious Emotions towards Physical Activity
Additional information
Type of assignment: BSc. thesis
Internal/external: Internal
How many students? 5
Supervision: In (sub)groups and individual
Includes data collection? Yes
Type of research: Quantitative
Number of ECTS? 15 ECTS
Research assignment
The exploration of the emotional dimension towards physical activity is an intriguing field with significant relevance for promoting healthy behavior. While we already know that repeated experiences of pleasure and displeasure during exercise lead to the formation of emotional associations, the complex relationship between conscious (self-reported) emotional experiences and unconscious (automatic) emotional associations largely remains unknown.
Current theoretical models suggest that both conscious and unconscious emotional processes play a role in motivating physical activity. The Affective Exercise Experiences (AFFEXX) questionnaire, a self-report method, provides insight into conscious emotional experiences, while an Implicit Association Test (IAT) measures unconscious emotional associations. Due to the absence of distinct IATs specifically designed for physical activity, it remains unclear under what conditions these two types of measurements may converge or diverge.
Therefore, this research aims to fill this knowledge gap by investigating how conscious and unconscious (automatic) emotional processes towards physical activity are related to each other. Understanding this relationship can not only provide theoretical insights but also have practical implications for designing more effective interventions to promote physical activity. It offers students a unique opportunity to contribute to a growing research field while exploring practical applications within the realm of health and well-being.
The different IATs will cover elements of the AFFEXX. Every student will focus on a specific element (e.g. Core affective experiences a) pleasure vs. displeasure; b) energy vs. tiredness; c) calmness vs. tension. Or antecedent appraisals a) like vs. dislike group exercise; b) showing off vs. shying away; c) empowerment vs. damage; d) pride/honor vs. shame/guilt; e) competence vs. incompetence. Or the motivational outcome: attraction vs. antipathy).
Who do we look for?
Students who are intrigued by the reasons behind why some people enjoy physical activity while others genuinely dislike it will work collaboratively in a group. However, each student will independently design their own Implicit Association Test (IAT) and will not be reliant on the efforts of their peers.
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
- Ekkekakis P, Zenko Z and Vazou S (2021). Do you find exercise pleasant or unpleasant? The affective exercise experiences (AFFEXX) questionnaire. PSYCHOLOGY OF SPORT & EXERCISE VOL. 55; 101930. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2021.101930. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1469029221000480
- 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