Automatic processes and health-enhancing physical activity

Understanding the determinants of physical activity (PA) is crucial, given its extensive health benefits. In recent years, dual-process models have suggested that automatic processes exert some influence on health behaviors. The aim of this article is to describe studies that have examined the links between implicit measurement and PA behavior. We present a systematic review describing research on automatic affect, automatic cognition, and automatic motivation. Future research directions and possibilities for interventions for behavioral change are also suggested. Despite encouraging results, research on automatic affect and cognition is dominated by correlational studies. Research on automatic motivation has also shown promising results, yet the effects of this type of motivation are mainly observed in the short term and in contexts with low ecological validity. Research on automatic processes holds significant potential that could be of great benefit to health psychologists. Nevertheless, experimental studies examining the medium- and long-term effect of automatic processes within more ecological contexts will be necessary in order to allay doubts regarding their implication in PA behavior regulation.