| Abstract: | Psychological processes may play a role in the evaluation of the effectiveness of exercise and subsequent food intake. In order to further investigate this phenomenon, the effects of the timing of exercise relative to an eating opportunity were evaluated. Female undergraduate participants who were of average weight and did not exercise regularly were randomly assigned to one of three conditions (exercise before eating n = 10], exercise after eating n = 11], or no exercise n = 12]). Expectations of the effectiveness of the exercise, value of dieting, and intake were assessed. Participants who exercised after eating had higher expectations of the effectiveness of the exercise than those who exercised before eating, while those who exercised before eating reported valuing dieting more than controls. No effects on intake emerged; therefore, there appears to be a disconnect between dieting appraisals and actual eating behaviour. The results are discussed in relation to theories on conflicting goals. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |
