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Don't worry, be active: positive affect and habitual physical activity.
Julie A Pasco1, Felice N Jacka, Lana J Williams
1Barwon Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit, School of Medicine, Deakin University, PO Box 281, Geelong, Victoria 3220, Australia. juliep@barwonhealth.org.au
The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry
|November 9, 2011
Summary
Higher physical activity levels are linked to better positive affect in women. Sedentary lifestyles were associated with lower positive emotions, suggesting a connection between exercise and mood.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Exercise Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Positive and negative affect are crucial components of emotional well-being.
- Habitual physical activity is recognized for its broad health benefits.
- Understanding the relationship between physical activity and affect can inform mental health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between habitual physical activity levels and positive and negative affect.
- To determine if physical activity influences emotional states.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 276 women (aged 20+).
- Physical activity assessed via questionnaire (very active, moderately active, sedentary).
- Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) used to measure affect, categorized into tertiles.
Main Results:
- A trend of lower positive affect scores was observed with decreasing physical activity.
- Women who were moderately active or sedentary had significantly lower odds of high positive affect compared to very active women.
- These associations remained significant after adjusting for body mass index and polypharmacy.
Conclusions:
- Higher levels of habitual physical activity are associated with higher positive affect scores.
- Emotions like interest, excitement, and alertness are linked to greater physical activity.
- Further research is needed to explore the neurobiological and psychosocial mechanisms underlying this relationship.
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