Personality does not influence exercise-induced mood enhancement among female exercisers
K E Milton1, A M Lane, P C Terry
1University of Wolverhampton, Walsall, UK.
The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness
|December 16, 2005
Summary
Exercise significantly improves mood for all personality types. While neuroticism is linked to negative mood, personality traits do not alter the positive mood boost from physical activity.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Exercise Science
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Personality traits are known to influence various aspects of behavior and well-being.
- The relationship between exercise and mood enhancement is well-documented.
- However, the moderating role of specific personality dimensions on exercise-induced mood changes requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the impact of personality on mood alterations following exercise.
- To test hypotheses regarding the association between personality types (introversion/extroversion, neuroticism/stability) and mood states.
- To determine if personality interacts with exercise to influence mood changes.
Main Methods:
- Ninety female participants completed personality assessments (Eysenck Personality Inventory) and mood evaluations (Brunel Mood Scale) pre- and post-exercise.
- Participants were categorized into four personality groups based on median splits: stable introverts, stable extroverts, neurotic introverts, and neurotic extroverts.
- A repeated measures multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was employed to analyze mood changes.
Main Results:
- Significant mood enhancement was observed across all personality types after exercise.
- Neuroticism correlated with lower mood scores both before and after exercise.
- The influence of extroversion on mood was minimal, and no significant interaction was found between personality and exercise-induced mood enhancement.
Conclusions:
- Exercise is consistently linked to improved mood states, irrespective of individual personality traits.
- While personality does not moderate the mood-boosting effects of exercise, neuroticism is associated with a predisposition towards negative mood.
- These findings reinforce the general mental health benefits of physical activity.
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