Mackenzie Johnston
M.A. Student
Keywords: physical activity; self-compassion; exercise motivation
Previous research suggests that individuals who are more self-compassionate are also more likely to regularly engage in physical activity. As well, there are potential influential factors that may have a role in the relationship between self-compassion and physical activity. My thesis research will assess the influence of undergraduate students’ exercise motivation on the relationship between self-compassion and physical activity. Given past findings outlining the favourable role of self-compassion for a variety of outcomes, researchers have begun to develop and test self-compassion interventions aimed at improving self-compassion. To my knowledge, although self-compassion interventions have been used to improve general health behaviours, physical activity behaviour has not been specifically targeted. Therefore, my research will also assess whether an exercise self-compassion intervention can improve exercise motivation for physical activity engagement.