Predictors of post-exercise affect : a self-determination theory approach considering physical, social, and psychological factors

Background: Studies have shown increases in affect after acute exercise. However, the specific aspects of an exercise experience that predict or contribute to post-exercise affect remain relatively unknown. This study aimed to determine which physical (i.e., duration and intensity), contextual (i.e., social context and time of day), and psychological factors (i.e., motivation and need satisfaction) predicted post-exercise affect. Methods: In 2021, 296 gym users self-reported affect before and immediately after exercising at a gym facility. Participants also reported situational motivation towards exercise, need satisfaction (i.e., autonomy, competence, and relatedness), who they exercised with (social interaction), and the duration and perceived intensity of their exercise session. We first conducted a paired samples t-test to identify whether affect significantly increased from before to after exercise, and then a hierarchical regression model to determine which factors predicted post-exercise affect. Results: Affect significantly increased from before to after exercise (t[291] = 8.116, p <.001). Autonomous motivation (β =.23, p = <.001), autonomy satisfaction (β =.15, p = <.05), and relatedness satisfaction (β =.19, p = <.01) significantly predicted post-exercise affect, whereas duration, perceived intensity, social interaction, and time of day did not. Conclusions: People should be encouraged to engage in activities that satisfy their need for autonomy and relatedness during leisure-time (i.e., not during the workday). So What?: This approach to physical activity promotion may lead to better affective outcomes and increased adherence compared to focusing on how long, how intense, or with whom people exercise.