Factors related to misperception of physical activity in The Netherlands and implications for health promotion programmes

Bibliographic Data

ID22945300
AuthorsLilian Lechner (0000-0002-5160-7086, Open University of the Netherlands, corresponding author)
Year2006
Volume21
Issue2
Pages104-112
Publication date2006-04-07
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueHealth Promotion International (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0957-4824 • E-ISSN: 1460-2245
PublisherOxford University Press (OUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1093/heapro/dal011
PMID16641132
OpenAlexW2153823338
LanguageEN
Citations received21
References cited12

With respect to health risk behaviours, many people are unaware of their own risk behaviour and regard their behaviour as more healthy than it really is. This article studied differences between people with and without misperception of their physical activity with respect to several reference points: the social comparison style of people (upward, equal and downward); the body self-image with regard to their weight [body mass index (BMI) and self-rated weight]; and linkages of physical activity with different outcome expectancies (health, appearance, weight, feeling fit, relaxation and stress relief). Results from 516 respondents (response 52%; 56% women) with a mean age of 53.7 years found that respondents who incorrectly think that their physical activity is adequate (overestimators) tend to rate their physical activity more often in comparison to others. Furthermore, overestimators and people who correctly think they exercise enough more often use downward comparison, while underestimators and people who know they exercise too little mostly use upward comparison. People who, rightly or not, think their weight is adequate or who have a lower BMI, more often assume that their physical activity is sufficient or high. People who, rightly or not, think that their physical activity is adequate more often score higher on other reasons to be physically active besides health. Increasing the accuracy of people's self-perceptions of physical activity may be important to incorporate into strategies to promote physical activity in populations at risk of inactivity.

Body mass index · Developmental psychology · Feeling · Health promotion · Overweight · Perception · Physical activity · Physical therapy · Public health · Behavioral Health and Interventions · Eating Disorders and Behaviors · Medicine · Physical Activity and Health · Psychology · Social Psychology · Gerontology

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