Positive or Negative: How Affect Influences Physical Activity Behavior in Adults

Studies have shown that up to 60% of adults’ non-sleeping time is spent being sedentary and only approximately 23% (one in five) U.S. adults meet the current physical activity guidelines. ^1,2,3 Physically inactive individuals have a greater risk for early death, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, depression, and various cancers.² To obtain significant benefits from physical activity, the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee recommends adults complete at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity a week (e.g. brisk walking) and muscle-strengthening activities (e.g. weight lifting or resistance bands) two or more days per week.⁴

Currently, the literature supports the relationship of physical activity influencing affect. When affect is positive post physical activity, the individual is more likely to complete the activity again.⁵ In general, individuals will pursue physical activity behaviors that lead to them feeling good and will avoid activities that cause pain or displeasure.⁵ These ideas are in line with the exercise-affect-adherence pathway, where it is natural human nature to have a negative affect towards intentional physical activity as well as a tendency to seek out pleasure inducing behaviors.⁵

Less is known about the relationship of affect influencing physical activity. There has been select research surrounding mood and how it impacts non-exercise physical activity, but even this research is limited. Reichert et al. (2016) found that individuals who were more energized increased their non-exercise physical activity by approximately 15%.⁶ They also found that individuals who were calmer decreased their non-exercise physical activity by approximately 10%.⁶ Reichert and colleagues (2016) highlighted that there is a connection between physical activity and mood, which indicates there may be a connection with affect and physical activity.

English Oxford Dictionary defines affect as an emotion or desire that influences behavior.⁷ This differs from mood in that affect specifically deals with influence of behavior. Mood is defined as temporary feeling or state of mind and the does not address any type of behavior influence.⁸

There is a need for further study of the connection between affect and physical activity. Through an integrative review, utilizing the Whittemore and Knafl (2005) framework, the concept of affect (both positive and negative) will be examined in relationship to physical activity in adults.⁹ This framework follows the five steps of 1) problem identification, 2) literature search, 3) data evaluation, 4) data analysis, and 5) presentation.⁹ Utilizing the findings from this integrative review will allow nurses to enhance their evidence-based practice and health promotion strategies surrounding physical activity in adults. This poster presentation will outline the findings of this integrative review.