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The mood-enhancing benefits of exercise: memory biases augment the effect

Anderson, Rachel J.; Brice, Samuel

Authors

Samuel Brice



Abstract

Objectives: To examine whether expectations regarding the benefits of exercise influence perceived mood changes post-exercise, by virtue of memory biases. Design: 2 x 2 Mixed design with 40 participants assigned to either exercise or non-exercise conditions. Pre-activity mood estimate (actual vs. retrospective) was measured within-groups. Mood change was assessed using the Incredibly Short Profile of Mood States (Whelan, Epkins, & Meyers, 1990). Method: The exercise group completed a 10-min jogging session, with current mood assessed pre- and post-activity. Additionally, participants were asked, post-activity, to retrospectively assess their pre-activity mood state. A non-exercise control group completed a 10-min cognitive task. Results: Findings concur that 10-min bouts of exercise can beneficially impact upon mood. In addition, this effect was augmented by biased recall of pre-exercise mood. Conclusions: Individuals' perception of mood enhancement can be augmented by reconstructive memory biases, suggesting that expectations regarding the benefits of exercise are crucial for maximising perceived mood enhancement. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Citation

Anderson, R. J., & Brice, S. (2011). The mood-enhancing benefits of exercise: memory biases augment the effect. Psychology of sport and exercise, 12(2), 79-82. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2010.08.003

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Aug 9, 2010
Online Publication Date Aug 18, 2010
Publication Date 2011-03
Journal PSYCHOLOGY OF SPORT AND EXERCISE
Print ISSN 1469-0292
Publisher Elsevier
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 12
Issue 2
Pages 79-82
DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2010.08.003
Keywords Physical activity; Emotion; POMS
Public URL https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/400055