Psychological Determinants and Outcomes of Sedentary and Physical Activity Behaviours

Abstract

There is now a large body of literature that supports the protective role of physical activity for both physical and psychological health. Sedentary behaviour was previously considered the functional opposite of physical activity, but 10 years ago, Owen and colleagues highlighted the need to study physical activity and sedentary behaviour as two distinct modes of behaviour that can independently influence health [1]. Since then, there has been growing evidence that participation in sedentary behaviours such as television viewing, computer use and sitting at work are associated with higher risk of chronic disease outcomes (type 2 diabetes, obesity), and leisure-time sitting has recently been associated with increased mortality [2]. Growing research points to the possible synergistic effects of physical activity and sedentary behaviours in contributing to health outcomes. This special issue of the International Journal of Behavioral Medicine focuses on understanding the psychological correlates and outcomes of sitting and physical activity behaviours in a series of six articles. In the first study, Teychenne, Ball and Salmon systematically review the literature to determine the effects of sedentary behaviour on risk for depression [3]. Although the quality of studies and findings were mixed, the majority and higher quality studies demonstrated that sedentary behaviour is associated with a higher risk of depression and other mental health problems. Their findings also offer preliminary evidence that internet use as a specific sedentary behaviour may actually confer mental health benefits, possibly due to the use of the internet for social connection and support. Importantly, the effect of sedentary activity on mental health may be greater for those with low physical activity levels than those with higher participation in physical activity, and further studies to assess the interrelationships between physical activity and sedentary behaviours are now needed. Paxton, Motl, Aylward and Nigg examine the role of psychological variables in explaining the relationship between physical activity behaviour and global quality of life. In a sample of older and culturally diverse adults, they demonstrate that physical activity behaviour is related to quality of life via an association with mental health difficulties (depression and anxiety) and self-efficacy for physical activity [4]. Participating in physical activity improves both self-efficacy and mental health difficulties, which in turn have complementary positive effects on quality of life.