The Affective Response to Exercise

Abstract

An affective response (AR) can be defined as the general psychological state of an individual, including but not limited to emotions and mood, within a given situation. In its most basic context, AR is used to describe an individual’s subjective experience (i.e., intrapersonal or experiential core) of all valenced responses; i.e., those that involve the potential for both positive and negative dimensions. Similar to RPE and exercise-induced muscle pain responses, individuals can rate the AR to exercise and PA by selecting a number from a range of numerical categories (both positive and negative) displayed on an affect scale. Scales designed to measure AR, such as the Feeling Scale (FS), include verbal descriptors placed in juxtaposition to numerical categories representing the range of affective responsiveness from the most negative feelings to the most positive feelings regarding the exercise situation. The Feeling Scale has been used to assess the range of overall feelings an individual may experience before, during and after PA. In addition, scales have been designed to measure specific affective domains, such as enjoyment during PA. The measurement of AR and enjoyment during exercise, along with perceived exertion, may be crucial to identifying the types of exercise programs that provide health-fitness benefits and promote psychological well-being.