Abstract

Drawing upon the broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions (Fredrickson, 2001), this study examines the links between morning physical activity, subsequent positive emotions, broadened thinking, and psychological resource accumulation at work. Fifty-two participants who worked full-time completed a daily diary for 10 workdays that included measures of their emotions and physical activity each morning and measures of broadened thinking each afternoon. Psychological resources were assessed at the beginning and end of the 10-day period. Data were analyzed using multilevel structural equation modeling (MSEM) with Mplus. Results did not support the mediating role of positive emotions and broadened thinking between morning physical activity and psychological resources, as would be predicted by the broaden-and-build theory. However, results did indicate that participants experienced more positive emotions on the days they engaged in morning physical activity. Additionally, participants who more frequently engaged in morning physical activity experienced positive emotions more often during the study period. There was also evidence to suggest that positive emotions promoted planning and active coping in response to workplace problems. In sum, these findings indicate morning physical activity may boost employees' emotional states and experiences of positive emotions may result in the use of broad-minded coping strategies at work. Implications for research and practice are discussed.

Notes

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Graduation Date

2020

Semester

Spring

Advisor

Fritzsche, Barbara

Degree

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Sciences

Department

Psychology

Degree Program

Industrial Organizational Psychology

Format

application/pdf

Identifier

CFE0007965; DP0023106

URL

https://purls.library.ucf.edu/go/DP0023106

Language

English

Release Date

May 2020

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Access Status

Masters Thesis (Open Access)

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