1
Mood and Movement: Investigating the Bidirectional Relationship Between Mood and
Physical Activity
Kanaya Dyara Taqiiya
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
2763481
Stress & Health
Eco de Geus & Artemis Stefani
Group 9
3 April 2025
Word count: 1491
, MOOD AND MOVEMENT 2
Mood and Movement: Investigating the Bidirectional Relationship Between Mood and
Physical Activity
The well-established relationship between physical activity (PA) and mood has been
extensively documented, with studies demonstrating that exercise can significantly enhance
emotional well-being (Schuch et al., 2016). Engaging in PA triggers release of endorphins,
serotonin, and other neurochemicals that contribute to improved mood, reduced stress, and
alleviation of depressive symptoms (Heijnen et al., 2015). While much research has focused
on how exercise influences mood, the bidirectional nature of this relationship remains less
explored. This reciprocal dynamic presents an intriguing paradox. When experiencing low
mood, individuals may feel less motivated to exercise (Stults-Kolehmainen & Sinha, 2013),
yet PA has the capacity to improve their emotional state (Reed & Buck, 2009). Understanding
this interplay is crucial, as it may inform strategies for maintaining mental health and
consistent PA habits.
Beyond neurochemical mechanisms, psychological and behavioural factors play a role
in the mood-exercise feedback loop. For instance, positive mood states may enhance
motivation and energy levels, leading to increased PA, whereas negative moods could result
in withdrawal from exercise, perpetuating a cycle of inactivity and worsening mood (Liao et
al., 2015). Investigating these bidirectional associations can provide deeper insights into how
individuals might break negative cycles and leverage exercise as a tool for mood regulation.
This study explores such associations through a seven-day observational study,
wherein a single participant wears an accelerometer and completes repeated mood
assessments via a smartphone app. The study hypothesises that higher PA in the preceding
hours will predict better current mood, and better current mood will predict higher PA in
subsequent hours. While existing literature has established bidirectional links between PA
Mood and Movement: Investigating the Bidirectional Relationship Between Mood and
Physical Activity
Kanaya Dyara Taqiiya
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
2763481
Stress & Health
Eco de Geus & Artemis Stefani
Group 9
3 April 2025
Word count: 1491
, MOOD AND MOVEMENT 2
Mood and Movement: Investigating the Bidirectional Relationship Between Mood and
Physical Activity
The well-established relationship between physical activity (PA) and mood has been
extensively documented, with studies demonstrating that exercise can significantly enhance
emotional well-being (Schuch et al., 2016). Engaging in PA triggers release of endorphins,
serotonin, and other neurochemicals that contribute to improved mood, reduced stress, and
alleviation of depressive symptoms (Heijnen et al., 2015). While much research has focused
on how exercise influences mood, the bidirectional nature of this relationship remains less
explored. This reciprocal dynamic presents an intriguing paradox. When experiencing low
mood, individuals may feel less motivated to exercise (Stults-Kolehmainen & Sinha, 2013),
yet PA has the capacity to improve their emotional state (Reed & Buck, 2009). Understanding
this interplay is crucial, as it may inform strategies for maintaining mental health and
consistent PA habits.
Beyond neurochemical mechanisms, psychological and behavioural factors play a role
in the mood-exercise feedback loop. For instance, positive mood states may enhance
motivation and energy levels, leading to increased PA, whereas negative moods could result
in withdrawal from exercise, perpetuating a cycle of inactivity and worsening mood (Liao et
al., 2015). Investigating these bidirectional associations can provide deeper insights into how
individuals might break negative cycles and leverage exercise as a tool for mood regulation.
This study explores such associations through a seven-day observational study,
wherein a single participant wears an accelerometer and completes repeated mood
assessments via a smartphone app. The study hypothesises that higher PA in the preceding
hours will predict better current mood, and better current mood will predict higher PA in
subsequent hours. While existing literature has established bidirectional links between PA
