The examination of socio-cognitive determinants of physical activity and the role of multidimensional perfectionism in exercise behavior

Despite the well-documented health benefits associated with regular physical activity, the majority of the US population is inactive and reports over the last decade suggest a world wide epidemic in terms of obesity and a sedentary lifestyle. This information calls into question the effectiveness of previous exercise interventions. Previous research shows that a substantial portion of physical activity interventions have little to no impact on exercise behavior, particularly in the establishment of adherence to physical activity regimens. The investigation of more complex intervention strategies that take into consideration people's individualized personality configuration may lead to more successful long term exercise interventions.; Accordingly, the current study examined the role played by self-oriented perfectionism and socially prescribed perfectionism in the context of exercise behavior and how factors such as social support and self-efficacy affect adherence to exercise programs in people with varying degrees of perfectionism. Regression analyses were used to assess a series of interactions between dimensions of perfectionism and specific psychosocial determinants of physical activity. A significant interaction was found between self-oriented perfectionism and self-presentation in exercise: Participants who greatly demanded perfectionism from the self and reported a strong desire to appear fit and toned to others exercised more frequently than those participants who were highly motivated to appear fit or toned to others and demanded less perfection from one's self.