@article{jpar20261112,
author={{Spence, Gordon B. and Rhodes, Ryan E.},
title={Affective Reappraisal of Physical Activity Using Guided Autobiography: A Proof-of-Concept},
journal={Journal of Physical Activity Research},
volume={11},
number={1},
pages={10--20},
year={2026},
url={https://pubs.sciepub.com/jpar/11/1/2},
issn={2574-4437},
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¨Cpost 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¨Cbehaviour translation.},
doi={10.12691/jpar-11-1-2}
publisher={Science and Education Publishing}
}