Examination of the consistency effect between physical activity levels and approach-avoidance behaviors

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the relationship between physical activity levels and approach-avoidance behaviors, to promote physical activity and provide a theoretical basis for national fitness. The study examined both approach-avoidance behaviors and the influence of affective valence in the approach-avoidance task. Two experiments using approach-avoidance tasks programmed in E-prime were conducted. Experiment 1 employed a 2 (physical activity level: high, low) × 2 (image type: physical activity, sedentary) mixed design, and Experiment 2 used a 2 (physical activity level: high, low) × 2 (physical activity image types: positive, negative) mixed design. The analysis of approach tendencies revealed that: (1) individuals with high physical activity levels exhibited a stronger tendency to approach physical activity images (p < 0.05), with no significant difference observed for sedentary images (p = 0.72); (2) high physical activity individuals demonstrated a stronger tendency to approach positive images of physical activity (p < 0.05), while no significant difference was observed for negative images (p = 0.78). The analysis of approach-avoidance behaviors indicated that: (1) high physical activity individuals more quickly approached physical activity images (p < 0.001) and avoided sedentary images (p < 0.05); (2) high physical activity individuals more quickly approached positive images of physical activity (p < 0.05). The study demonstrated a clear relationship between physical activity levels and approach-avoidance behaviors, showing that individuals with high physical activity levels exhibited more positive approach tendencies and behavioral responses toward physical activity-related stimuli. These findings have important implications for designing and implementing effective physical activity promotion strategies to combat global physical inactivity.