Publication date: Available online 29 March 2019
Source: Mental Health and Physical Activity
Author(s): Magdalena Kruk, Karolina Zarychta, Karolina Horodyska, Monika Boberska, Urte Scholz, Theda Radtke, Aleksandra Luszczynska
Abstract
Background
Although there is no doubt that indicators of physical activity (PA), and negative and positive emotions are associated, the order in which they operate is not well-established. In this study, we investigated indirect associations between a negative emotions indicator (emotional symptoms of depression; henceforth: depression), a positive emotions indicator (physical activity [PA] liking) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), in order to identify which one of the three variables is likely to precede the others.
Methods
Data were collected twice, with a 7–8-month follow-up. 879 adults from the general population (N = 879 at Time 1, T1; N = 603 at Time 2, T2) filled in questionnaires measuring depression, PA liking and MVPA.
Results
Mediation analyses showed that a higher level of depression (T1) predicted a lower level of PA liking (T2) which in turn explained a lower MVPA level (T2). Additionally, a higher level of PA liking (T1) predicted a lower level of depression (T2), which in turn was associated with a higher MVPA level at T2. Analyses with MVPA operating as the independent variable or the mediator were not significant.
Conclusions
Results indicated that both negative and positive emotions precede rather than follow MVPA engagement.