Work

Self-appreciation is not enough: exercise identity mediates body appreciation and physical activity and the role of perceived stress

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction: This study explores the relationship between body appreciation and physical activity, focusing on the mediating role of exercise identity and the moderating effect of perceived stress. While individuals with positive body image are generally thought to engage in proactive physical activity, it remains unclear whether this positive attitude necessarily promotes exercise. Methods: = 22.94, SD = 5.99) who completed questionnaires at two-week intervals for a total of three times within four weeks. Body appreciation, exercise identity, perceived stress, and physical activity were measured for the participants separately. Results: The results demonstrated that body appreciation positively predicted physical activity, exercise identity partially mediated the positive effect of body appreciation on physical activity, and perceived stress played a moderating role in body appreciation and exercise identity. Discussion: These results highlight the significant role of body appreciation in influencing physical activity through exercise identity, with perceived stress further moderating this relationship. The study underscores the importance of promoting body appreciation and regulating stress to enhance physical activity engagement among college students.

Source: Frontiers in Psychology

DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1377772

Authors: Linyu Shi, Lixia Jiang, Song Zhou, Wenbo Zhou, Huaqi Yang

Institutions: Capital Medical University, Beijing Children’s Hospital, Fujian Normal University, Beijing Sport University

Language: English

Topic: Motivation and Self-Concept in Sports

Subfield: Social Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,295