Predicting physical activity behavior by affective-reflective theory: a psychophysiological perspective with heart rate variability as a moderator

The Affective-Reflective Theory of Physical Inactivity and Exercise (ART) posits that the interaction between automatic affective valuations and controlled reflective evaluations significantly influences physical activity (PA) behaviors. However, the psychophysiological nature of the interaction between these dual processes in initiating PA remains unclear. PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine whether heart rate variability (HRV) moderates the interaction between implicit attitude and antecedent cognitive appraisals (ACAs). METHODS: Young adults (N=314; 188 ♀, M age = 20.5 ± 1.2 yrs; BMI= 24.4 ± 3.8 kg·m-2) completed the Single-Category Implicit Association Test (SC-IAT), the Affective Exercise Experiences (AFFEXX) questionnaire, self-reported exercise frequency and duration, health fitness testing (1-min sit-ups, push-ups, 1-mile run), and measured HRV (root mean square of successive differences), assessed using an eMotion Faros monitor during a 7-min resting state. RESULTS: Hierarchical multiple linear regression analyses revealed that implicit attitude showed significant positive associations with self-reported PA frequency when ACAs, (specifically competence, empowerment, honor) were low and HRV was high. Additionally, implicit attitude was positively associated with push-up performance when competence was low and HRV was high. These findings suggest that, even in the absence of reflective evaluations of exercise, a high level of HRV can foster positive affective valuations toward PA, thereby promoting and maintaining PA behaviors. Our study offers a psychophysiological perspective on enhancing PA by suggesting that for individuals who struggle to engage in exercise due to a lack of subjective agency, interventions designed to enhance cardiorespiratory fitness can trigger intrinsic emotions, ultimately motivating greater participation in PA.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.S.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Kinesiology

Grantor

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2025

Author dc:creator

• Chen, Junchi (Daniel)

Contributors dc:contributor

• Petruzzello, Steven J.

• Physical Activity
• Affective-reflective Theory
• Affective Valuation
• Reflective Evaluation
• Implicit Attitude
• Antecedent Cognitive Appraisals
• Heart Rate Variability

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2025 Junchi (Daniel) Chen

Language dc:language

en, eng

Handle dc:identifier

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/129930

OAI record oai:identifier

https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/oai-pmh?verb=GetRecord&metadataPrefix=etdms&identifier=oai%3Awww.ideals.illinois.edu%3A2142%2F129930