Affective Reappraisal of Physical Activity Using Guided Autobiography: A Proof-of-Concept

Gordon B. Spence^1, and Ryan E. Rhodes²

¹Coaching Psychology Unit, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia

²School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education, University of Victoria, Canada

Cite this paper:
Gordon B. Spence and Ryan E. Rhodes. Affective Reappraisal of Physical Activity Using Guided Autobiography: A Proof-of-Concept. Journal of Physical Activity Research. 2026; 11(1):10-20. doi: 10.12691/jpar-11-1-2

Abstract

Many adults understand the health benefits of physical activity (PA) yet struggle to translate intentions into sustained behaviour. Narrative-based approaches may support this process by reactivating affective and identity-related mechanisms linked to past PA experiences. Guided Autobiography (GAB) is a structured, non-directive small-group method designed to facilitate meaning-making through reflective writing and sharing, but it has not previously been applied in a PA context. This proof-of-concept study examined the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary psychological impact of a brief PA-themed GAB intervention and explored whether it showed sufficient promise to warrant further testing. Seventeen mature-aged adults participated in a PA-themed GAB intervention, “My Physically Active Life”, involving completion of a 25-year PA timeline, autobiographical writing, and shared reflection. A mixed-methods pre–post design was used, with quantitative measures of PA-related attitudes (instrumental and affective), identity, and behavioural intentions collected at baseline, with a 7-day follow-up. Qualitative data were analysed thematically to examine participants’ experiences of reflection and narrative reframing. Participants reported high acceptability and described GAB as a meaningful prompt for reconnecting with positive early-life PA experiences and active identities. Instrumental attitudes were high at baseline and unchanged, functioning as a control indicator. In contrast, small-to-moderate positive effects were observed for affective attitudes (enjoyment, pleasantness) and PA-related identity, with a modest increase in behavioural intention. Qualitative findings supported these patterns, highlighting shifts in affective meaning, and self-concept. This ORBIT Phase IIa proof-of-concept study provides initial evidence that PA-themed GAB is feasible, acceptable, and engages theoretically relevant psychological mechanisms. Further refinement and controlled testing are warranted to examine its role as a preparatory intervention supporting intention–behaviour translation.

Keywords:
guided autobiography physical activity identity affective attitudes narrative reflection behaviour change proof-of-concept

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