Exercising for mood regulation: The importance of experience

Based on the theory that mood regulation can be an important motivation for regular exercise, but only after the subtle mood effects derived from this activity are discovered, exercisers (N = 168) with varying levels of exercise experience completed,the Reasons for Exercise Inventory (REI; Silberstein, Striegel-Moore, Timko & Rodin, 1988), as well as Neuroticism and Extraversion measures (Costa & McCrae, 1989). A reexamination of the REI yielded a 5-factor instead of the original 7-factor structure. As expected, advanced exercisers rated the importance of Mood Improvement higher than beginners. Advanced exercisers also rated Socialization higher. Those above the median on Neuroticism rated Mood Improvement higher than lower scorers. Gender and age differences were also found. Results have implications for more effective exercise promotion. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.