How does the context of physical activity influence perceived mood and wellbeing after exercise?

Background: Abundant research has shown that mental health benefits can be derived from physical activity participation. Further, evidence suggests that contextual factors (e.g., location, type of activity, domain, social interaction) are likely to play a role. However, these aspects of the physical activity experience have not received much attention in the literature, when compared to frequency, duration, and intensity. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine how contextual factors influence the perceived mental health benefits of physical activity. Methods: We used a semi-structured, open-ended, qualitative approach to data collection to compare a broad range of contextual factors. To do this, we recruited 234 participants in Australia, over 18 years of age (M = 34.33, 29.5% male). We then conducted reflexive thematic analysis to develop seven latent-level themes that help unpack key ideologies and conceptualisations. Results: Overall, results indicate that contextual factors influence the effect of exercise on perceived mood and wellbeing, to the extent where the same behaviour can have opposite effects depending on the context. Conclusions: While physical activity provides a platform to experience mental health benefits, the context influences the likelihood of experiencing these benefits, and often dictates which benefit (e.g., relaxation, vitality, happiness, self-esteem, detached from stress) is most likely. As such, researchers, professionals, and mental health workers, should take contextual factors into account when prescribing or recommending physical activity as a method of mental health promotion.