Motivation toward Physical Exercise and Subjective Wellbeing: The Mediating Role of Trait Self-Control

Motivation toward physical exercise (MPE) and trait self-control (TSC) were identified as key predictors of subjective well being (SWB). However, there has not been any research designed to examine the mediating role of TSC in the relationship between MPE and SWB. The present study utilizes self-determination theory, control-process theory of self-regulation, and theory of multiple pathways of TSC in order to examine whether TSC mediates the relationships of autonomous MPE (A-MPE), controlled MPE (C-MPE), and impersonal MPE (NO-MPE) with SWB using structural equation modeling (XLSTAT PLS). Three hundred seventeen adult American individuals (Mage = 32.97, SDage = 11.30), who reported to be regular exercisers, voluntarily answered questionnaires assessing MPE, TSC, and SWB. Correlational analyses revealed positive relationships between A-MPE, TSC, and SWB, and negative relationships of C-MPE and NO-MPE with TSC and SWB. Mediation analyses revealed that TSC mediated the relationships of A-MPE (partial mediation) and C-MPE (full mediation) with SWB, but did not mediate the relationship between NO-MPE and SWB. The estimates of the quality of the hypothesized model were acceptable (outer model GoF = 0.935; absolute GoF = 0.330; relative GoF = 0.942; inner model GoF = 1.008; R2 = 36.947%). Finally, this study supports the view that MPE can influence SWB through TSC, and incites to pursue the examination of the relationships between self-determined motivation, self-regulation mechanisms, and health-related outcomes

Gaining or losing team ball possession: The dynamics of momentum perception and strategic choice in football coaches

Grounded in the dynamical systems approach, the present research examined the influence of team ball possession (TBP) in soccer on coaches' perceived psychological momentum (PM) and strategic choice (i.e., game-based "stick" vs. "switch" choices) during a simulated match. Experienced soccer coaches imagined being the coach of the team involved in a highly important match that was displayed on a wall in a lecture hall. The match scenario was manipulated so that the coach was exposed to either a positive momentum sequence (i.e., ascending scenario of TBP) or a negative momentum sequence (i.e., descending scenario of TBP). Results revealed that positive (or negative) momentum sequence increased (or decreased) perceived PM and increased stick (or switch) choices. Perceived PM globally evolved linearly, while strategic choice displayed a dynamical pattern of "critical boundary" (thus showing a nonlinear change). Nonetheless, both variables displayed asymmetrical effects, in the sense that: (1) the strength of positive PM appeared to be easier to decrease than to increase; and (2) the greater the positive PM (or the negative PM), the lesser (or the greater) the coaches' tendency to make a change in the organization of their teams. This investigation evidences that TBP can powerfully influence coaches' perceptions and strategic decisions, and that coaches are more likely to be sensitive to negative events than to equivalent positive events.Scopu

Adaptive Effects of Seeing Green Environment on Psychophysiological Parameters When Walking or Running

Several studies have investigated the influence of perceiving colors on affective outcomes and/or performance. However, the effects of seeing colors on self-selected behaviors have received little attention from physiologists and psychologists. Therefore, the present study aimed at examining whether exposure to green and red environments could influence affective judgments, perception of effort, heart rate, and gait speeds when walking and running at a self-selected pace. Participants were randomly assigned to one of the three experimental conditions: Green, red, or white (neutral) environment. The experimental task consisted in a 20-min trial of either walking (Study 1) or running (Study 2) at the most comfortable speed on a treadmill surrounded by three large HD TV screens displaying specific properties of the studied colors. Study 1 revealed that walking in a green environment induced a significant reduction in heart rate values as compared to the red and white conditions although no differences in gait speed were found. This corroborates the calming and relaxing effect of green on the human organism. Study 2 showed that running in a green environment was associated with an increased level of perceived exertion at similar speeds (compared to other color conditions), while exposure to red induced a significant decrease in the level of tension. In both studies, the preferred gait speed was not affected by the colored environment which is discussed in relation to the energy-conservation principle. Furthermore, both studies showed that performing a 20-min walk or run at preferred pace presented beneficial mood changes. Implications of the effects of self-selected exercise under colored environments on human functioning are addressed in the discussion

Psychological Momentum: The Phenomenology of Goal Pursuit

Psychological momentum (PM) is thought to be a force that influences judgment, emotion, and performance. Based on a review of the extant literature, we elucidate two distinct approaches that researchers have adopted in their study of PM: the input-centered approach and the output-centered approach. Consistent with the input-centered approach, we conceptualize PM as a process whereby temporal and contextual PM-like stimuli (i.e., perceptual velocity, perceptual mass, perceptual historicity, and perceptually interconnected timescales)—initially perceived as an impetus—are extrapolated to imagined future outcomes through mental simulation. In turn, and consistent with the output-centered approach, we posit that mental simulation elicits experiential (e.g., perceptual, cognitive, emotional) and behavioral states that govern goal pursuit, and that the pursuit of goals further influences perceptions of self, environment, and action quality. In all, we suggest that PM is interdependently linked to perceptions and behaviors in the sense that PM both influences and is influenced by changes in self-perceptions, environmental perceptions, and behavior, and we conclude by linking the PM construct to recent work on prospection

Ramadan Fasting and Patients with Cancer: State-of-the-Art and Future Prospects

Ramadan fasting represents one of the five pillars of the Islam creed. Even though some subjects (among which patients) are exempted from observing this religious duty, they may be eager to share this particular moment of the year with their family and peers. However, there are no guidelines or standardized protocols that can help physicians to properly address the issue of patients with cancer fasting in Ramadan and correctly advising them. Moreover, in a more interconnected and globalized society, in which more and more Muslim patients live in the Western countries, this topic is of high interest also for the general practitioner. For this purpose, we carried out a systematic review on the subject. Our main findings are that (1) very few studies have been carried out, addressing this issue, (2) evidence concerning quality of life and compliance to treatment is contrasting and scarce, and (3) generally speaking, few patients ask their physicians whether they can safely fast or not. For these reasons, further research should be performed, given the relevance and importance of this topic

ramadan fasting and infectious diseases a systematic review

Ramadan represents the fourth of the five pillars of the Islamic creed. Although patients are exempted from observing this duty, they may be eager to share this moment of the year with their peers. However, there are no guidelines that can help physicians to address the concerns of patients with infectious diseases fasting during Ramadan. For this purpose, we performed a systematic review. of 51 articles. Our main findings are that: 1) patients suffering from diabetes at risk of developing infectious complications should not fast; 2) Ramadan fasting has little impact on diarrheal patients; 3) HIV represents a challenge, and ad hoc drug combinations should be recommended to patients, and the patients should be advised not to take fatty meals that could interfere with the treatment; 4) Ramadan has no effect on the effectiveness of anti-helminthic therapy; and 5) patients with active ulcers should not fast, as they have a higher probability of developing complications

Passion, Trait Self-Control, and Wellbeing: Comparing Two Mediation Models Predicting Wellbeing

Research has found that passion and trait self-control represented key determinants of wellbeing. Yet, no study to date has attempted to investigate the mediating influences of trait self-control and passion for accounting for the relationships between passion, trait self-control, and wellbeing (dependent variable). Using different frameworks, such as the dualistic model of passion and the neo-socioanalytic theory, the present study proposed two mediation models, considering either trait self-control (model 1) or passion (model 2) as the mediating variable. Five hundred nine volunteers from the United States (326 females and 183 males; Mage = 31.74, SDage = 11.05, from 18 to 70 years old), who reported being passionate about a specific activity (e.g., fishing, swimming, blogging; Mpassion = 5.94, SDpassion = 0.89), answered questionnaires assessing harmonious and obsessive passion, trait self-control, and wellbeing (measured through hedonic and eudaimonic wellbeing scales). Preliminary analyses revealed that both models were significant (model 1: absolute GoF = 0.366, relative GoF = 0.971, outer model GoF = 0.997, inner model GoF = 0.973, R2 = 18.300%, p < 0.001; model 2: absolute GoF = 0.298; relative GoF = 0.980; outer model GoF = 0.997; inner model GoF = 0.982; R2 = 12.111%, p < 0.001). Correlational analyses revealed positive relationships between harmonious passion, trait self-control, and wellbeing, and no relationships of obsessive passion with trait self-control and wellbeing. Mediation analyses revealed that trait self-control significantly mediated the relationship between harmonious passion and wellbeing (i.e., partial mediation, VAF = 33.136%). Harmonious passion appeared to significantly mediate the positive effect of trait self-control on wellbeing; however, the size of the mediating effect indicated that (almost) no mediation would take place (i.e., VAF = 11.144%). The present study is the first to examine the relationships between passion, trait self-control, and wellbeing, and supports the view that trait self-control and harmonious passion represent not only adaptive and powerful constructs, but also key determinants of wellbeing. Implications for the study of passion, trait self-control and wellbeing are discussed

The dynamics of psychological momentum in sport

L'objet de la présente thèse était d'examiner les caractéristiques de complexité et de dynamique du momentum psychologique (MP) en sport. Une première série d'études a tenté d'explorer qualitativement (étude 1) et quantitativement (études 2, 3 et 4) ces caractéristiques en situations naturelles de compétitions sportives. L'étude 1 a mis en évidence la richesse des contenus du MP, la diversité de ses mécanismes de déclenchement (dissonance, consonance, perturbation du flux de pensées), ainsi que ses formes de développement au cours du temps (processus d'amplification). Ces résultats témoignent de l'enracinement du MP dans une histoire d'événements signifiante. Les études 2, 3 et 4 ont montré que certains contenus affectifs du MP, tels que l'anxiété compétitive et la confiance en soi, peuvent subir des changements abrupts au cours des phases de MP, ce qui suggère le caractère non linéaire du phénomène. Par conséquent, une seconde série d'études (études 5, 6, 7 et 8) a ensuite été réalisée afin de tester expérimentalement les propriétés potentielles de non linéarité et de dépendance à l'histoire du MP en adoptant l'approche des systèmes dynamiques. Ces études étaient basées sur des scénarios de performance de prise d'ascendant (momentum positif) ou de décrochage (momentum négatif) impliquant des situations d'acteur en position virtuelle (études 5 et 6) ou réelle (étude 7), ou encore des situations de spectateur (étude 8). Le MP est apparu évoluer sous la forme d'un patron d'hystérésis négative (études 5, 6 et 8) ou d'un patron de limite critique décalée (étude 7) dans le sens où le MP négatif se déclenchait plus rapidement que le MP positif. L'hystérésis négative observée chez les spectateurs (étude 8) présentait, quant à elle, une asymétrie évoquant un déclenchement plus rapide du MP positif. Ces résultats attestent des propriétés de non linéarité et de dépendance à l'histoire du MP, montrent l'influence du degré d'implication dans la situation sur sa dynamique et confirment l'hypothèse générale selon laquelle le MP est un phénomène complexe et dynamique.The present thesis aimed to examine the characteristics of complexity and dynamics of psychological momentum (PM) in sport. A first series of studies attempted to explore qualitatively (Study 1) and quantitatively (Studies 2, 3, and 4) these characteristics in natural situations of sport competition. Study 1 evidenced the richness of PM contents, its mechanisms of emergence (dissonance, consonance, and thought flow disturbance), as well as its forms of development over time (amplification processes). These findings suggest that PM is rooted in a meaningful history of events. Studies 2, 3, and 4 showed that certain affective contents, such as competitive anxiety and self-confidence, can change abruptly during PM phases, which suggests the nonlinear character of PM. Consequently, a second series of studies (Studies 5, 6, 7, and 8) was then conducted in order to experimentally test the potential properties of non linearity and history-dependence of PM through the lens of the dynamical systems approach. These studies were based on ascending (positive momentum) versus descending (negative momentum) scenarios of performance that were virtually (Studies 5 and 6) or actually (Study 7) experienced by actors, or that were seen from the point of view of a spectator (Study 8). Variations of PM displayed patterns of negative hysteresis (Studies 5, 6, and 8) and critical boundary that was lagged so that negative PM was triggered faster than positive PM. The negative hysteresis that was found among spectators (Study 8) displayed an asymmetry that reflected a faster triggering for positive PM. These findings evidence the properties of non linearity and history-dependence of PM, show the influence of the degree of involvement in the situation on PM dynamics, and support the general hypothesis that PM is a complex and dynamical phenomenon

Active exercisers with a higher orientation toward task-approach goal might experience higher happiness: the mediating role of dispositional self-control

Active exercisers engage in physical activity or training sessions with intentions that are inherently influenced by stable orientations toward achievement goals (i.e. self-regulatory representations about specific outcomes that influence one's behaviour). Using the 3 2 achievement goals framework in the leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) setting, the purpose of this study was to examine the development of happiness (i.e. short-term and temporary contentment) in active exercisers by testing a model in which dispositional self-control (i.e. stable capability of the self to initiate goal-directed behaviours and inhibit goal-disruptive behaviours) played the role of mediator between goal orientations and happiness. Five hundred nine active exercisers (329 females and 180 males, M age = 32.42, SD age = 10.85, from 18 to 65 years old) answered questionnaires on LTPA amount, orientations toward achievement goals for LTPA, dispositional self-control, and happiness. We conducted correlation and structural equation model analyses. Results revealed that: (a) orientation toward task-approach goal (i.e. stable tendency to desire to perform well) positively predicted dispositional self-control and happiness; (b) orientation toward self-avoidance goal (i.e. stable tendency to desire to avoid performing worse than before) negatively predicted dispositional self-control and happiness; and (c) dispositional self-control partially mediated the positive effect of orientation toward task-approach goal on happiness. This study suggests that task-approach goal (or self-avoidance goal) can spark adaptive (or maladaptive) effects in terms of self-regulation and happiness. Theoretical and practical implications for the study of the relationships between achievement goals, self-regulation, and happiness are discussed.Scopu

Dynamique de la poursuite de buts: du momentum psychologique au bien-être hédonique

The goal of the present manuscript is to present a large part of my research activities, whichwere pursued these last 10 years, focused on the processes and phenomenological experiencesof goals pursuit. The first part of this manuscript aimed at reporting my scientific endeavorshowing that momentum could be viewed as a phenomenological state (complex, dynamic, andresulting from mental simulation) affecting the process of goals pursuit. The second part of thismanuscript consisted in exposing my scientific endeavor aiming at showing that hedonic wellbeingcould result from self-regulatory mechanisms involved in the process of goals pursuit.More specifically, the goal of our works was to demonstrate that dispositional self-control –considered as the main component of self-regulatory – contributed to the development ofhedonic well-being. This manuscript was concluded by future research avenues.Le but de ce document était de rendre compte d’une grande partie de mes recherches,poursuivies ces 10 dernières années, ayant porté sur les processus et expériencesphénoménologiques de la poursuite de buts. La première partie de ce document a eu pour butde rapporter mes efforts scientifiques consistant à montrer que le momentum pouvait êtreconsidéré comme un état phénoménologique (complexe, dynamique et produit par lasimulation mentale) affectant le processus de la poursuite de buts. La seconde partie de cedocument a consisté à exposer mes efforts scientifiques visant à montrer que le bien-êtrehédonique pouvait résulter de mécanismes autorégulateurs impliqués dans le processus de lapoursuite de buts. Plus spécifiquement, l’objet de mes travaux a été de montrer que le contrôlede soi dispositionnel – considéré comme le composant principal de l’autorégulation –contribuait au développement du bien-être hédonique. Ce document a été conclu par desperspectives futures de recherche