Comparing the associations between body appearance and fitness self-conscious emotions across physical activity modalities: A multi-part study

Body appearance and fitness self-conscious emotions have been identified as antecedents to aerobic physical activity. Including resistance training and statistically accounting for the co-occurrence of appearance and fitness emotions is essential for identifying which emotion facet may be more beneficial to target to facilitate different physical activities. This two-part study compared the associations among appearance and fitness self-conscious emotions (shame, guilt, envy, embarrassment, authentic pride, hubristic pride) and physical activity (strenuous, moderate, mild, resistance) among young adults. Participants in Study 1 (N = 401 women, Mage ± SD = 25.66 ± 5.36) and 2 (N = 510, 70.4 % women, Mage ± SD = 28.09 ± 5.87) completed validated measures and data were analyzed using Path models. Fitness but not appearance emotions were significantly related to physical activity when in the same model across studies. Fitness shame and guilt were associated with lower physical activity (significant b = -.15 to -.49) whereas fitness authentic and hubristic pride were associated with higher physical activity (b =.11 to.53). Inconsistent associations were noted for fitness embarrassment and envy. Findings suggest that person-level interventions should target fitness-related emotions and highlight that interpersonal and system-level influences via fitness environments and content should avoid fostering fitness shame and guilt and foster fitness pride.