Harmony in Motion: Unveiling the Dance Between Conscious and Unconscious Emotions towards Physical Activity
Theme: Well-being in social and societal contexts
Type of research: quantitative empirical
Description
The study of emotions in relation to physical activity is both fascinating and crucial for promoting healthy behavior. Current models suggest that both conscious and unconscious emotions influence exercise motivation. The AFFEXX questionnaire captures conscious emotional experiences, while the Implicit Association Test (IAT) measures unconscious emotional associations. However, the absence of specific IATs for physical activity leaves the conditions under which these measures converge or diverge unclear.
This research aims to bridge this gap by exploring the relationship between conscious and unconscious emotional processes in physical activity. Understanding this link can offer theoretical insights and practical implications for designing effective interventions. Students will focus on specific elements of the AFFEXX, covering core affective experiences, antecedent appraisals, or motivational outcomes. They can also explore additional parameters, such as personality traits, or design an IAT focusing on physical activity identity (active person vs. sedentary lifestyle).
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