Predicting physical activity behavior by affective-reflective theory: a psychophysiological perspective with heart rate variability as a moderator

Chen, Junchi (Daniel)

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/129930 Copy

Description

Title

Predicting physical activity behavior by affective-reflective theory: a psychophysiological perspective with heart rate variability as a moderator

Author(s)

Chen, Junchi (Daniel)

Issue Date

2025-07-24

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

Petruzzello, Steven J.

Department of Study

Health and Kinesiology

Discipline

Kinesiology

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

M.S.

Degree Level

Thesis

Keyword(s)

• Physical Activity
• Affective-reflective Theory
• Affective Valuation
• Reflective Evaluation
• Implicit Attitude
• Antecedent Cognitive Appraisals
• Heart Rate Variability

Language

eng

Abstract

The Affective-Reflective Theory of Physical Inactivity and Exercise (ART) posits that the interaction between automatic affective valuations and controlled reflective evaluations significantly influences physical activity (PA) behaviors. However, the psychophysiological nature of the interaction between these dual processes in initiating PA remains unclear. PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine whether heart rate variability (HRV) moderates the interaction between implicit attitude and antecedent cognitive appraisals (ACAs). METHODS: Young adults (N=314; 188 ♀, M age = 20.5 ± 1.2 yrs; BMI= 24.4 ± 3.8 kg·m-2) completed the Single-Category Implicit Association Test (SC-IAT), the Affective Exercise Experiences (AFFEXX) questionnaire, self-reported exercise frequency and duration, health fitness testing (1-min sit-ups, push-ups, 1-mile run), and measured HRV (root mean square of successive differences), assessed using an eMotion Faros monitor during a 7-min resting state. RESULTS: Hierarchical multiple linear regression analyses revealed that implicit attitude showed significant positive associations with self-reported PA frequency when ACAs, (specifically competence, empowerment, honor) were low and HRV was high. Additionally, implicit attitude was positively associated with push-up performance when competence was low and HRV was high. These findings suggest that, even in the absence of reflective evaluations of exercise, a high level of HRV can foster positive affective valuations toward PA, thereby promoting and maintaining PA behaviors. Our study offers a psychophysiological perspective on enhancing PA by suggesting that for individuals who struggle to engage in exercise due to a lack of subjective agency, interventions designed to enhance cardiorespiratory fitness can trigger intrinsic emotions, ultimately motivating greater participation in PA.

Graduation Semester

2025-08

Type of Resource

Text

Handle URL

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/129930

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2025 Junchi (Daniel) Chen

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