Lecture 13 - Personality and Physical Activity

Question 1

why is personality important when discussing PA

Answer 1

personality can override all rational decisions; influence why people do what they do

Question 2

how can we relate personality to PA dropout

Answer 2

• it is possible that individuals are encouraged to begin exercise programs that are incompatible to their psyche and result in neglect or discontinuation of PA behaviours

Question 3

Five factor model (Big five)

Answer 3

five broad, consistent personality dimentions
1. Extraversion
- talkative, assertive, energetic
2. Neuroticism
- nervous, easily upset (lack stability)
3. Openness to Experience
- intellectual, imaginative
4. Agreeableness
- good natured, cooperative, trustful
5. Conscientiousness
- orderly, responsible, dependable, stick with things

Question 4

people with which personality dimension(s) have been lined to more exercise engagement

Answer 4

people who are stable and conscientious are more likely to adhere to a programme
- stable and conscientious people also get the biggest benefit
- These relationships are likely bidirectional, that is, not only are individuals more inclined to participate in PA
behaviours due to their personality, but their personality may also be influenced by their physical activity engagement
◦ Rugby players who are already extroverted, may become even more extroverted by playing rugby for a long time
◦ Conscientious becomes more conscientious

Question 5

how can the type of exercise impact an individuals personality

Answer 5

Researchers have not observe can any differences in conscientiousness when examining type of aerobic exercises, but have reported that those who performed RT reported higher neuroticism scores than those
engaged in aerobic exercise

Question 6

personality of exercisers vs non exercisers

Answer 6

• conscientiousness, and neuroticism differences are typically greater when comparing exercisers to non-
  exercisers
• Exercisers indicate a greater tendency for conscientiousness in comparison to an average population

Question 7

Extraversion

Answer 7

• extraversion refers to the differences in preference for social interaction and the seeking of PA behaviours
  appears a logical extension for people high in this trait with regard to group type exercise activity
  ◦ Exercise classes are a bit like going to the movies for extraverts
  ◦ Extraverts in the sports concepts: team sports
  ◦ Where as introverts are more likely to enjoy rock climbing, tennis, golf

Question 8

physical inactivity in relation to personality over your lifetime

Answer 8

• Physical inactivity early on in life might lead to deterioration in personality in later years (Stephan, 2018)
  ◦ Increased neuroticism