Factors influencing exercisers' tendencies towards healthy versus unhealthy exercise participation

Abstract: Both positive and negative effects of exercise participation on health are shown in the literature. However, exercisers’ perceived health is still unexplored from this two-line influence perspective. The Perceived Health and Sport/Exercise Participation model (PHS/EP) served as theoretical framework for the study that aimed at testing the Perceived Health and Exercise Participation Profile (PHEPP) Questionnaire and examining factors involved in exercisers’ tendencies towards healthy versus unhealthy exercise participation and their association with perceived health, exercise satisfaction, goal orientation, self-esteem and physical self-perception. A package of four instruments was completed by 148 exercisers. The healthy tendency of exercise participation represented in the PHS/EP model was supported by the results obtained, whereas the unhealthy tendency needs further investigation and some related changes in the PHEPP questionnaire. Regression analyses confirmed some relationships between the PHS/EP model and established concepts such as goal orientation, self-esteem and physical self-perception dimensions. The results are discussed with reference to previous research and the PHS/EP model.