Do fluctuations in positive affective and physical feeling states predict physical activity and sedentary time?

Abstract

Objectives-Higher levels of positive affect and feelings of energy and vitality are associated with greater physical activity (PA) and lower sedentary time (ST). However, whether fluctuations in these feelings contribute to the regulation of these behaviors is unclear. This study examined the extent to which within-person variability in positive affect and feeling energetic predicted participants' overall levels of PA and ST. Design-This analysis combined data from four ecological momentary assessment (EMA) studies (age range : 8-73 years) with ambulatory monitoring via waist-worn accelerometry (N=661). Methods-Positive affect and energy were assessed through EMA several times per day across 4-7 days. Accelerometer data was used to create the following behavioral outcomes: (1) meeting MVPA guidelines (children: 60 minutes/day, adults: 30 minutes/day) and (2) minutes of ST per hour of accelerometer wear. A two-stage analytic approach was used to test the study aim. In the first stage, Mixed-Effects Location Scale Modeling decomposed mean levels and variability in positive affect and energy. In the second stage, a linear or logistic regression (depending on whether the outcome was continuous or dichotomous, respectively) was tested to investigate associations between subject-level mean and variability in EMA ratings and the behavioral outcome.

Momentary mood predicts upcoming real‐life sedentary behavior

“…In line with the present results, a previous finding from Schwerdtfeger et al 11 shows that increased affect ratings were associated with lower amounts of sedentary behavior. Contrary to our results, Maher et al 12 did not find a within‐subject association between positive affect and feelings of energy. There might be several possible explanations for this inconclusive state of research.…”

“…Schwerdtfeger et al 11 examined the relationship between affective states and physical behavior in daily life, with the result that affect is inversely associated with sedentary periods, suggesting that both positive and negative affective states are associated with a decrease in sedentary activities. Moreover, Maher and researchers 12 investigated the extent to which within‐subject variability in positive affect and feelings of energy predicted sedentary time. This study did not reveal any association between within‐subject variability in affect or energy and sedentary time.…”

“…To the best of our knowledge, only two studies, that is, Schwerdtfeger et al 11 and Maher et al, 12 focused on a dynamical within‐subject association between mood and sedentary behavior, whereas DeMello and researchers’ study 10 focused on a longitudinal approach over 1 year. Methodological discrepancies and limitations may be one reason which may explain the divergent findings.…”

Physical exercise in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder – evidence and implications for the treatment of borderline personality disorder

“…Moreover, a recent study across 661 participants aged 8-73 years found that people with higher fluctuations in perceived subjective energy showed less physical activity. From this, the authors concluded that instability in emotional states may either deplete self-regulatory capabilities for physical activity planning or that physical activity can stabilize emotional states [74]. Another common symptom in BPD is unbearable inner tension, which patients sometimes can only manage by engaging in non-suicidal self-injury, substance abuse, or other ultimately maladaptive behaviors.…”

Non-linear Dynamic Shifts in Distress After Wildfires: Further Tests of the Self-Regulation Shift Theory

“…What the theory does not include is the possibility for oscillations between states and the impact of this on coping effectiveness and long-term distress. Many psychological factors including distress fluctuate daily ( Kukk and Akkermann, 2017 ; Pihet et al, 2017 ; Maher et al, 2019 ). Thus, future studies that utilize different non-linear analytic techniques are needed to refine the multiple shift question in trauma adaptation.…”