Self-Compassion and Physical Activity: The Underpinning Role of Psychological Distress and Barrier Self-Efficacy

Abstract

Unlike other personality traits or dispositions, self-compassion can be nurtured and is likely a driving source for physical activity. Emerging research has started to examine self-compassion in physical activity contexts; however, most existing studies were underpowered and overlooked the psycho-behavioural factors underlying the link between self-compassion and physical activity. In a sample of 569 UK adults (mean age = 41.92 years, SD = 13.70; 47.8% female), we examined the hypothesis that self-compassion’s positive influence on physical activity operates through reduced psychological distress and subsequently increased barrier self-efficacy. Results supported the prediction, with the positive influences of self-compassion being more prominent in more vigorous physical activity. The findings suggest that self-compassion is a good source of emotional resources (i.e., attenuated psychological distress) and confidence to overcome challenges and obstacles (i.e., increased barrier self-efficacy) in the context of physical activity. Future interventions and programs could consider incorporating self-compassion for physical activity adoption and maintenance.

Self-compassion, physical activity, and psychological antecedents of physical activity: A scoping review of quantitative research.

“…Whereas two past reviews have examined SC and PA together (Hall et al, 2023;Wong et al, 2021a), ours is the first to comprehensively explore the directional relationship from SC to PA. Furthermore, theory suggests that SC may be indirectly related to PA through psychological variables (Zhang et al, 2023), and ours is the first review to summarize evidence to support this theory. Given our expanded research questions, our review includes 25 studies that were not examined in previous similar reviews (Hall et al, 2023;Wong et al, 2021a).…”

“…Signore et al, 2021; Wong et al, 2021b). Our review also includes five articles that meet the eligibility criteria of Hall et al (2023) but were published after their final search had been conducted (Ceci et al, 2023; Huellemann et al, 2023; Rahe et al, 2022; Wong et al, 2023; Zhang et al, 2023). Our review also included n = 11 studies examining PA-related psychological constructs that were not reviewed by Hall et al (2023) nor Wong et al (2021a): (Arigo et al, 2021; Bicaker & Racine, 2022; Cole, 2015; Cuesta-Zamora et al, 2022; Hopkins, 2022; Kullman et al, 2024; Lameira, 2020; Loader, 2013; Marchand et al, 2023; Thall et al, 2014; Walter, 2019).…”

“…However, SC was not related to exercise enjoyment in two studies (Cole, 2015;Marchand et al, 2023). These findings are surprising given that a selfcompassionate approach to PA should involve seeking out enjoyable activities (Zhang et al, 2023). However, qualitative research by A. K. Signore et al (2022) found that some people consider PA as an act of SC due to its healthpromoting benefits but acknowledged they did not find PA enjoyable.…”

“…Six cross-sectional studies, one prospective study, and one randomized pilot feasibility trial related SC to three PA self-efficacy outcomes (Supplemental Table 9). Biber (2020), Gilbertson (2010), Hallion et al (2019), Wong et al (2021bWong et al ( , 2023, and Zhang et al (2023) found that SC was positively correlated with PA self-efficacy (r = .07-.38). Cole (2015) noted a positive relationship between SC and PA empowerment (r = .20).…”

“…A benefit of SC is that it may help people engage in health behaviors through supporting self-regulation (Terry & Leary, 2011; Zhang et al, 2023). Self-regulation is an effortful process of behavioral control (e.g., goal setting, monitoring progress) that can be thwarted by barriers, distractions, momentary urges, and challenging emotions (Baumeister & Heatherton, 1996; de Ridder & de Wit, 2007; Terry & Leary, 2011).…”