Exploring the association between physical activity participation and self-compassion in middle-aged adults.

Physical activity promotes positive health outcomes in middle-aged and older adults, but engagement remains consistently low. Recent research suggests that self-compassion is linked to positive health behaviors and outcomes and may support the adoption and maintenance of health promoting behaviors. The present study aimed to examine the association between self-compassion and physical activity, with the expectation that self-compassion would add unique variance to physical activity participation over and above previously identified predictors. This was a cross-sectional study of self-report questionnaires. Middle-aged adults (40-65 years) completed questionnaire via an online survey. Based on results from hierarchical regression, self-compassion was not significantly related to physical activity participation. However, self-regulation and physical activity were positively associated (p < .05). Future investigations should explore these associations in older age groups and/or investigate gender/sex interactions. Regardless. self-regulatory strategies in middle-aged adults is important for the uptake and maintenance of physical activity.