Self-control and physical activity: Disentangling the pathways to health

Abstract

This chapter describes the bi-directional nature of the relation between self-control and physical activity. It explores self-control as the ability to steer one’s own cognitions, attention, emotions, actions and impulses in the service of the long-term goal pursuit. The chapter explains what is meant by physical activity and associated terms and how these beneficial to health and well-being. It reviews the evidence so far investigating physical activity as a means to improve self-control. Next, the reverse relation is explained, by illustrating that self-control is not only the result of physical activity, but also an important determinant of physical activity. Physical activity may be beneficial to physical health and well-being, but may also benefit cognitive functioning. The notion that physical activity can lead to improvements in self-control stems from a large body of literature that links physical activity to improvements in executive function. Research on self-control as a determinant of physical activity focused largely on physical activity, exercise and athletic performance.