EXERCISING FOR MOOD REGULATION - THE IMPORTANCE OF EXPERIENCE

Based on the theory that mood regulation can be an important motivatio n for regular exercise, but only after the subtle mood effects derived from this activity are discovered, exercisers (N = 168) with varying levels of exercise experience completed,the Reasons for Exercise Inven tory (REI; Silberstein, Striegel-Moore, Timko & Rodin, 1988), as well as Neuroticism and Extraversion measures (Costa & McCrae, 1989). A ree xamination of the REI yielded a 5-factor instead of the original 7-fac tor structure. As expected, advanced exercisers rated the importance o f Mood Improvement higher than beginners. Advanced exercisers also rat ed Socialization higher. Those above the median on Neuroticism rated M ood Improvement higher than lower scorers. Gender and age differences were also found. Results have implications for more effective exercise promotion. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.