Implicit and explicit associations towards running in young female runners and non-runners

Tim Burberg*, Sabine Würth, Thomas Finkenzeller, Andrea Fischbacher, Laura Buchner, Günter Amesberger

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding/Legal commentaryConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Background: Running is a low cost leisure activity that is relatively easy to implement into everyday life and is associated with many positive effects on mental and physical health (Junior et al., 2015). Thus, running might pose an attractive approach in targeting physical inactivity, which affects women to a greater extent than men (Mayo et al., 2019). Dual-process theories assume that both implicit and explicit components explain exercise-related behavior (Brand & Ekkekakis, 2018; Strobach et al., 2020). Aim of the current study is to investigate implicit and explicit associations in young women under consideration of their current running behavior.
Method: Implicit associations towards running were measured using a picture-based Single-Target Implicit Association Test (ST-IAT; Bluemke & Friese, 2008). Explicit associations towards running were assessed by semantic differential scales (cognitive attitude (CA), affective attitude (AA)) and a 11-point Feeling Thermometer (FT). A sample of 67 women (M = 23.6 years, SD = 5.2) participated. Implicit (D-Score) and explicit associations were compared based on current running behavior (nnon-runners = 24; nirregular_runners = 26; nregular_runners = 17). Data was collected online by using the QDesigner Software (© Amescon).
Results: An One-way ANOVA revealed statistically significant differences related to current running behavior for implicit associations (FDScore(2, 64) = 6.08, p = .004, η2 = .16). Using Pillai’s trace, there was a significant effect of current running behaviour on explicit associations, V = 0.52 , F(3, 63) = 22.76, p < .001. Separate univariate Bonferroni corrected ANOVAs on the outcome variables revealed significant group effects for all explicit measures (FCA(2, 64) = 12.9, p < .001, η2 = .29; FAA(2, 64) = 34.9, p < .001, η2 = .52; FFT(2, 64) = 25.2, p < .001, η2 = .44). In general, participants running on a regular basis showed more positive implicit and explicit associations towards running than non-runners and irregularly running individuals.
Discussion: Consistent with the results of explicit associations towards running the ST-IAT was able to differentiate between young women currently running on a regular basis and those reporting irregular or no running behavior at all. In concordance with Strobach et al. (2020), the more positive implicit associations in regularly active runners might reflect successful habit formation compared to inactive or irregularly active runners. It is noticeable that effect sizes for explicit associations were stronger than for implicit associations. The underlying mechanisms of the relationship between implicit associations and running behavior may be addressed in future longitudinal studies.
Original languageGerman
Title of host publicationAbstractband 54. Jahrestagung der Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Sportpsychologie (asp)
Subtitle of host publication"Ein Gehirn, viel Bewegung - Variabilität und Plastizität über die Lebensspanne"
Publication statusPublished - 17 Jun 2022
Event54. Jahrestagung der Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Sporpsychologie (asp): "Ein Gehirn, viel Bewegung - Variabilität und Plastizität über die Lebensspanne" - Münster, Germany
Duration: 16 Jun 202218 Jun 2022
https://asp-tagung.de/

Conference

Conference54. Jahrestagung der Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Sporpsychologie (asp)
Country/TerritoryGermany
CityMünster
Period16/06/2218/06/22
Internet address

Fields of Science and Technology Classification 2012

  • 501 Psychology

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