Self-control and physical activity: Disentangling the pathways to health

In this chapter we will describe the bi-directional nature of the relation between self-control and physical activity. We understand self-control as the ability to steer one’s own cognitions, attention, emotions, actions and impulses in the service of the long-term goal pursuit. The terms self-control and self-regulation are used interchangeably throughout the chapter. We start with explaining what is meant by physical activity and associated terms and how these may be beneficial to health and well-being. Next, we will review the evidence so far investigating physical activity as a means to improve self-control. Next, the reverse relation is explained, by illustrating that self-control is not only the result of physical activity, but also an important determinant of physical activity. We end this chapter by describing promising future research directions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved)