A Systematic Synthesis of Evidence Regarding Relationship of Physical Activity and Sports Participation With Trait Self-control

Abstract

Background: Individuals with low level of trait self-control exhibit several negative behaviors such as violence, addictive behaviors (drug addiction, technological addictions), suicide, unhealthy eating, and criminal behaviors. In contrast, high level of self-control thought to be associated with positive psychosocial and physical health related outcomes. Interventions contribute to boost self-control seems essential for individual with risk of low trait self-control. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to systematically evaluate the relationship between physical activity and trait self-control. Methods: For this purpose, full-text articles were searched in research databases including Psych INFO, PubMed, Medline, The Cochrane Library, Wiley Library, Taylor & Francis, Science Direct, Springer, ERIC, JSTOR, Google scholar, and Sage Journals.  Following screening for the study selection criteria and assessment of risk of bias, twenty one studies (13cross-sectional, 5 longitudinal and 3 interventions) with low or moderate risks of bias were finally selected for qualitative synthesis. Results: Findings from all of the included studies consistently showed that there was a significantly positive relationship between physical activity and trait self-control.It is suggested that increasing self-efficacy, decreasing aggression, and improvement in positive and negative emotional states might be underlying mechanisms working for beneficial effects of physical activity on trait self-control. Conclusion: These suggest that physical activity and exercise may serve as a potential means to enhance trait self-control. Practical implementation and recommendations for policy makers are put forward in this connection.