Mindfulness and satisfaction with physical activity: a longitudinal study

Abstract

Satisfaction with physical activity is formed when positive experiences outweigh the negative ones. Therefore, awareness of these positive experiences and acceptance of potential negative experiences with physical activity is likely to influence satisfaction. Awareness and acceptance are key elements of mindfulness and may, thus, relate to satisfaction. We aim to examine how mindfulness, negative and positive experiences and satisfaction unfold on a daily basis. Using a longitudinal design, 225 Dutch participants responded for 14 days to questions on their physical activity behavior, mindfulness, positive and negative experiences with physical activity and satisfaction. The data was collected via internet. Preliminary multilevel modeling indicated that positive and negative experiences, as well as mindfulness related to satisfaction in the expected direction, showing significant within-and between subjects variability. Further analyses will test a cross-lagged model and explore whether experiences on one moment predict satisfaction on subsequent moments, as well as the moderating role of mindfulness. The daily fluctuation in the relationship between mindfulness, experiences with physical activity, satisfaction and physical activity behavior could be used to develop momentary interventions to sustain physical activity.