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The effects of exercise on body satisfaction and affect
Marie L Lepage1, Janis H Crowther
1Kent State University, Department of Psychology, Kent, OH 44224, United States. mlepage@kent.edu
Body Image
|February 16, 2010
Summary
Regular exercise improves body image and mood for frequent exercisers. However, motivations for exercise, such as appearance versus health, influence these positive effects, especially for those with high trait body dissatisfaction.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Exercise Science
- Body Image Research
Background:
- Body dissatisfaction is a significant concern among young women.
- Understanding the psychological impact of exercise on body image is crucial.
- Trait body dissatisfaction may influence how exercise affects mood and self-perception.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the effects of exercise on state body dissatisfaction and affect in undergraduate females.
- To investigate trait body dissatisfaction as a moderator of exercise effects and motivations.
- To explore how different exercise motivations impact body dissatisfaction and affect.
Main Methods:
- Utilized ecological momentary assessment (EMA) to capture real-time data.
- Recruited undergraduate females with varying levels of trait body dissatisfaction who exercise regularly.
- Assessed state body dissatisfaction, affect, and exercise motivations before and after exercise sessions.
Main Results:
- All participants reported reduced state body dissatisfaction and negative affect, with increased positive affect post-exercise.
- Trait body dissatisfaction moderated the relationship between exercise motivations and their effects.
- Appearance and weight-focused motivations were linked to increased body dissatisfaction, while fitness/health motivations showed varied effects based on trait levels.
Conclusions:
- Exercise offers general benefits for body dissatisfaction and affect, even for frequent exercisers.
- Exercise motivations significantly interact with trait body dissatisfaction to shape outcomes.
- Tailoring exercise approaches based on individual motivations and body image concerns may enhance benefits.
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