Factors determining implicit attitudes toward sports and exercise: desirability and enjoyment

Abstract Previous studies have found that implicit attitudes, in addition to explicit toward sports and exercise can help predict health-related behaviors. This study aimed explore the factors determine attitudes exercise. Using an online experiment, we investigated two types of exercise: desirability enjoyment. Implicit were measured using different Association Test (IAT) for joy. We examined degree which “sports exercise” perceived be more strongly associated with positive words than “sedentary behaviors.” hypothesized past experiences affect enjoyment (positive attitudes) might differ qualitatively. Participants included 318 students (230 male 88 female, M = 19.62, SD 1.78) who completed questionnaires consisting one IAT. The results indicated participants both joy desirability, people competence tend higher concerning joy, but not desirability. Interest professional was related IATs, while only IAT self-reported physical frequency playing sports. contributions this show exercise—desirability joy—are behaviors, perceiving as joyful leads lifelong participation.