You don't know why you (don't) exercise: The relationship between automatic processes and physical activity (or sedentary behavior): A meta‐analysis

Abstract

ObjectivesThis meta‐analysis aimed to examine the relationship between automatic processes and behavior as well as their moderators.MethodsThere were 126 effect sizes (Fisher's Z) extracted from 55 independent research studies involving 10,432 participants. Meta‐analyses were conducted using Comprehensive Meta‐Analysis Version 3.3. Univariate meta‐regression models were used to analyze underlying moderators.ResultsMeta‐analysis after correction found that automatic processes could significantly and positively predict behavior, but the effect size was small (Fisher's Z = 0.057, p < 0.001, 95% CI [0.043, 0.070]).ConclusionsDifferent components of automatic processes, task reliability, and study design moderated the relationship between automatic processes and behavior. Future research could explore automatic measures at a neurophysiological level or use population‐matched stimuli for specific populations to improve measure validity. In addition, future research should accumulate evidence on how to reduce sedentary behavior.