The Influence of Past Experiences on Affective Responses towards Exercise

This study aimed to contribute to the limited body of literature on affective responses towards exercise, which recent studies found to be an important predictor of exercise behaviour. Despite most research focussing on traditional constructs, like attitude and motivation, this study investigated the role of automatic associations in determining affective exercise responses using insights from the ART of physical inactivity and exercise. As automatic associations, the constructs of perception of variety in exercise (PVE) and feelings of boredom towards exercise were explored. Prior research indicated a relationship between the two constructs. Based on this relationship, this research studied how PVE and boredom (automatic associations) influence the affective response of displeasure towards exercise. Additionally, urban and rural environments can influence exercise behaviour and research suggests an influence on automatic associations with exercise. Therefore, the effect of living area on PVE and boredom was investigated.