Dynamic patterns of personality states, affects and goal pursuit before and during an exercise intervention: a series of N-of-1 trials combined with ecological momentary assessments

Objective: Despite the established association between personality traits and physical activity, prior studies have failed to identify the dynamics between the momentary manifestation of personality traits (states) and cognitive-affective mechanisms in relation to physical activity. Based on the Whole Trait theory, the current study modelized the temporal associations between daily personality states, affects and pursuit of personal goals before and during a physical exercise intervention. Method: This series of N-of-1 used an A (10-day)-B (42-day) design paired with ecological momentary assessments in 10 inactive adults. Personality states, affects and pursuit of personal goals (conflict, facilitation) were self-reported three times per day. Physical exercise intervention included two weekly supervised sessions. Idiographic network analyses and generalized addictive models were carried out. Results: Levels of association between personality states, affects and pursuit of personal goals were modified during intervention. Their respective weight in the networks during the exercise intervention followed an individual pattern. The intervention was associated with a systematic non-linear change in the level of goal facilitation and goal conflict. More individual temporal patterns were observed for personality states and affects levels. Conclusions: Findings partially supported the direction of associations between personality states and cognitive-affective constructs postulated in Whole Trait Theory. Our findings suggested that personality states, affects and personal goal pursuit are considered as interconnected and evolving system modifiable by an exercise intervention. They need to be replicated; however, they represent a first step in better understanding the cognitive-affective mechanisms underlying the manifestation of personality states in a behavior change context.