Abstract
Appearance-related self-conscious emotions (e.g., shame, guilt, authentic and hubristic pride) are important correlates of poor mental health. Although physical activity (PA) is a well-established protective factor for poor mental health, its role in the relationship between appearance-related emotions and symptoms of depression and anxiety remains underexplored. This study examined whether PA moderated the associations between appearance-related emotions and symptoms of depression and anxiety in emerging adults. Participants (N=298; Mage[SD]=23.55[3.78]; 65% women) completed online self-report measures of PA (Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire), appearance-related emotions (BASES), and poor mental health symptoms (PHQ-9, GAD-7). PA was dichotomized as “active” or “inactive” using standard MET cutoffs. Controlling for age and gender, a MANCOVA revealed a significant multivariate effect of PA status on appearance-related emotions and poor mental health symptoms (F(6, 257)=2.66, p =.015). Active students reported significantly higher appearance-related authentic (p<.001) and hubristic pride (p=.006); there were no significant differences for shame, guilt, depression symptoms, or anxiety symptoms (ps>.05). Bivariate correlations and linear regressions showed significant associations (ps<.05) between all emotions and poor mental health outcomes in expected directions. However, moderation models testing PA as a protective factor yielded non-significant interactions. These findings suggest complex relationships among these variables, with other psychological factors likely involved (e.g., body dissatisfaction), warranting further study. Future research should also use objective PA assessments to clarify how specific activity types and intensities interact with emotions to affect mental health, guiding more precise, emotion-informed interventions for emerging adults.
