Automatic Activation of Exercise and Sedentary Stereotypes

Abstract

We examined the automatic activation of “sedentary” and “exerciser” stereotypes using a social prime Stroop task. Results showed significantly slower response times between the exercise words and the exercise control words and between the sedentary words and the exercise control words when preceded by an attractive exerciser prime. Words preceded by a normal-weight exerciser prime showed significantly slower response times for sedentary words over sedentary control words and exercise words. An overweight sedentary prime resulted in significantly slower response times for sedentary words over exercise words and exercise control words. These results highlight the need for increased awareness of how active and sedentary lifestyles are portrayed in the media.

Key words:

• automatic processes
• Stroop

Additional information

Notes on contributors

John C. Spence

This research was supported in part by a grant from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. The first author is supported by a Population Health Investigator award from the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research. Please address all correspondence concerning this article to Tanya R. Berry, E-424 Van Vliet Centre, Faculty of Physical Education, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2H9.