RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EXPECTANCY OF PSYCHOLOGICAL BENEFITS AND MOOD ALTERATION IN JOGGERS

Two experiments investigated the possible relationship between expecta ncy of psychological benefits from exercise and acute mood change. In the first study, participants (N = 71) reported their expectancies ris ing an open-ended instillment and completed the POMS before and after jogging. Results of a 2 (pre; post-exercise) x 2 (gender) x 3 (class) MANOVA indicated that there were significant acute mood benefits for w omen (p < .0001) and for men (p < .03). Multiple regression analysis i ndicated that the relationship between expectancy of psychological ben efits and mood change approached significance (p < .06). In the second study, participants (N = 68) responded to an objective expectancy que stionnaire and again completed the POMS before and after jogging. Resu lts of the 2 x 2 x 3 MANOVA indicated a significant pre-to post-exerci se mood change (p < .0001). No relationship was found between expectan cy and mood change. In conclusion, joggers in both studies reported si gnificant short-term mood benefits, but there was no conclusive eviden ce that expectancy was related to mood alteration.