Work

Dynamic interplay between momentary self-rated activity/exertion and affective states: a temporal network analysis using intensive longitudinal data

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: A subjective momentary rating anchored by sedentary behavior and maximum exertion may reflect activity, exertion, or general bodily activation. We examined its next-assessment associations with affective states without treating it as a verified measure of physical activity behavior. All 99 participants who did not withdraw contributed 5,850 valid assessments during 14 days with six daily prompts. Momentary self-rated activity/exertion (MSRAE), positive affect, negative affect, and fatigue were single-item ratings. Four within-person standardized lagged regressions included a random intercept and independent random slopes for all four predictors. The primary analysis used 3,472 consecutive same-day pairs 90–240 min apart. Confidence intervals used 1,000 participant bootstrap resamples, and 16 coefficient tests were corrected for the false discovery rate. Exclusion of six participants, interval restrictions, trend adjustment, person-day demeaning, and conditional response weighting were sensitivity analyses. Moderation by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire–Short Form was exploratory. MSRAE was associated with subsequent positive affect (β = 0.162, 95% confidence interval 0.128 to 0.197) and negative affect (β = −0.157, 95% confidence interval − 0.190 to − 0.128). Positive affect was associated with subsequent MSRAE (β = 0.118). After person-day demeaning, these coefficients were 0.081, − 0.074, and 0.007, respectively; the last interval included zero. No questionnaire-based moderation survived false discovery rate correction. The lagged coefficients summarize associations across the observed interval distribution rather than effects at a fixed elapsed time. Momentary self-rated activity/exertion and affective ratings showed conditional next-assessment associations, but several associations weakened substantially after removal of person-day means. Day-level covariation may contribute to the primary pattern, and the strength and within-day temporal interpretation of some pathways remain uncertain. The findings do not establish effects of physical activity behavior, causal mechanisms, or intervention targets. Not applicable.

Source: BMC Psychology

DOI: 10.1186/s40359-026-05814-6

Authors: Linlin Tan, Yunlong Tan, Xinyi Hu, Wemin Zhang, Hangjian Hua

Institutions: Jiangxi Institute of Applied Science and Technology, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang Health Vocational College, Nanchang Vocational University

Language: English

Topic: Mental Health Research Topics

Subfield: Experimental and Cognitive Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,990