Strengthening the relationship between physical activity and physical self-concept: The moderating effect of controllable attributions. (January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Murray, Ross M.; Sabiston, Catherine M.; Coffee, Pete; Kowalski, Kent C.
• Is Part Of: Psychology of sport and exercise. Volume 52(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-01
• Subjects: Goal achievement -- Goal failure -- Fitness -- Controllability; Sports -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Exercise -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Psychology -- Periodicals; Sports -- Periodicals; Exercise -- Periodicals; Societies, Medical -- Periodicals; Psychology; Sports; Exercise; Societies, Medical; Sports -- Aspect psychologique -- Périodiques; Exercice -- Aspect psychologique -- Périodiques; 613.71019
• DOI: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2020.101828
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1469-0292

Abstract

Abstract: Individuals who are more physically active, compared to those who are less physically active, typically report more favourable perceptions of their physical appearance and functioning (i.e., physical self-concept). However, there is limited empirical evidence examining how psychological processes associated with physical activity can affect the strength of this relationship. In the current study, perceptions of controllability (i.e., controllable attributions) was tested as a moderator of the relationship between physical activity and physical self-concept. A sample of 189 adults ( M age = 23.8 years; n male = 76, n female = 112, n unspecified = 1) read hypothetical scenarios that elicited emotions specific to achievement or failure. Participants completed measures assessing their attributions for each scenario, together with self-report physical activity and physical self-concept. In the final models, the relationship between physical activity and physical self-concept was stronger among those participants who reported higher perceptions of controllability. The effectiveness of physical activity interventions may be improved through attributional retraining to adaptive (controllable) attributions. Highlights: Self-conscious emotions, pride and shame arise from fitness-based scenarios. Controllability moderates physical activity and physical self-concept relationship. Attribution retraining might improve outcomes of physical activity interventions.