The independence of implicit and explicit attitudes toward physical activity: Introspective access and attitudinal concordance

Objective: This study investigated relations between implicit and explicit attitudes toward physical activity, as well as the role of individual differences in introspective access as a possible moderator of implicit-explicit attitudinal concordance. Design: The design was non-experimental and involved self-report and behavioral measures. Method: Undergraduate students (N=203) completed explicit measures of attitudes toward physical activity and its outcomes. They also completed a Single-Category Implicit Association Test adapted to assess implicit evaluative attitudes toward physical activity. Results: Implicit and explicit attitudes toward physical activity were unrelated and neither private self-consciousness nor private body consciousness moderated the relation. Conclusions: These findings support the theory that implicit and explicit attitudes toward physical activity are independent systems. We discuss the implications of these findings for physical activity promotion efforts.