Olson, Jenny (2013) The Relationship between Components of Experiential Avoidance and Sustaining Physical Exercise. Honours thesis, University of Southern Queensland. (Unpublished)
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate Experiential Avoidance (EA) as a multidimensional construct, and to determine whether different components could discriminate those who exercise regularly from those who do not; and for those who do exercise whether EA could discriminate the extent of missed exercise time. Adult university student participants completed an online survey including demographic information, questions assessing exercise behaviour over the past 12 months, the Multidimensional Experiential Avoidance Questionnaire (MEAQ; Gamez et al., 2011) and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (n.d.). Results from a significant MANOVA indicated those who reported exercising regularly scored significantly lower on the MEAQ subscale Procrastinate than those who did not. A Discriminant Function Analysis indicated the components of Procrastination, Behavioural Avoidance and Distress Endurance were best able to discriminate between the groups. The discussion considers however that none of the components could discriminate regular exercisers who missed 0, 1, 2, or 3 weeks of exercise engagement. The findings in relation to Behavioural Avoidance and Distress Endurance are in congruence with the findings of Butryn et al. (2011) and Ulmer et al. (2010). Unpleasant physical sensations, thoughts of low selfefficacy and associated negative emotions are common to the experience of exercise, particularly when first initiated. Exercise may be avoided in an attempt to evade such negative internal experiences. However the ability to endure distress allows for the continuation of exercise despite negative internal experiences. Future research is recommended in order to better understand the relationship between procrastination and exercise.
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| Item Type: | Thesis (Non-Research) (Honours) |
|---|---|
| Item Status: | Live Archive |
| Additional Information: | Current UniSQ staff and students can request access to this thesis. Please email research.repository@unisq.edu.au with a subject line of SEAR thesis request and provide: Name of the thesis requested and Your name and UniSQ email address |
| Faculty/School / Institute/Centre: | Historic - Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences - School of Psychology, Counselling and Community (1 Jul 2013 - 31 Dec 2014) |
| Supervisors: | Grace Pretty |
| Qualification: | Bachelor of Science (Honours) |
| Date Deposited: | 30 Sep 2025 01:34 |
| Last Modified: | 30 Sep 2025 01:34 |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | acceptance, behavioural avoidance, distraction/suppression, distress aversion, distress endurance, exercise, experiential avoidance, physical activity, procrastination, repression/denial. |
| Fields of Research (2008): | 17 Psychology and Cognitive Sciences > 1799 Other Psychology and Cognitive Sciences > 179999 Psychology and Cognitive Sciences not elsewhere classified |
| Fields of Research (2020): | 52 PSYCHOLOGY > 5299 Other psychology > 529999 Other psychology not elsewhere classified |
| URI: | https://sear.unisq.edu.au/id/eprint/52633 |
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