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The Exercise-Affect-Adherence Pathway: An Evolutionary Perspective.

Harold H Lee1, Jessica A Emerson1, David M Williams1

  • 1Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health Providence, RI, USA.

Frontiers in Psychology
|September 10, 2016
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Low physical activity (PA) rates stem from an evolved tendency to conserve energy, leading to negative feelings about exercise. Re-engineering environments to create perceived purpose for PA can improve adherence and public health.

Keywords:
affectevolutionexercise adherencehedonic valenceperceived utilityultimate causes

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary psychology
  • Public health
  • Behavioral science

Background:

  • Low rates of regular exercise and physical activity (PA) are a significant public health concern.
  • Exercise often elicits negative affective responses, reducing future engagement.
  • Existing research highlights the exercise-affect-adherence link.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the exercise-affect-adherence relationship through an evolutionary lens.
  • To propose an evolutionary-based framework for understanding low PA rates.
  • To offer strategies for improving PA adherence and public health outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Theoretical analysis from an evolutionary perspective.
  • Examination of the evolved human tendency to avoid unnecessary physical exertion.
  • Proposal of a two-pronged approach to PA promotion based on perceived purpose.

Main Results:

  • Low PA is linked to an innate, evolved drive to conserve energy, a survival mechanism for ancestors.
  • Negative affective responses to exercise are an evolved psychological mechanism to avoid energy expenditure.
  • Modern environments have rendered this predisposition a liability, necessitating environmental re-engineering.

Conclusions:

  • Human tendencies toward avoiding exertion are innate but not immutable.
  • Re-engineering environments to necessitate PA or provide perceived purpose can overcome evolved avoidance.
  • Promoting PA with perceived immediate purpose and instilling greater perceived purpose for diverse activities can enhance affective responses, adherence, and overall PA rates.