Title
Perceived physical activity and mortality
Research Area
Health
Author
Zahrt, O H et al; Health Psychology
Summary of Findings
Researchers in the USA used a sample of 61,141 adults and data from national surveys to examine perceived activity levels and mortality rates. As part of the analysis they adjusted for actual health and physical activity levels as well as sociodemographic factors. Analysis found that "individuals who perceived themselves as less active than others were up to 71% more likely to die in the follow-up period than those who perceived themselves as more active".
The researchers concluded that individuals' perceptions about their level of physical activity strongly predicted mortality, even after taking into account the effects of actual physical activity and other known determinants of mortality.
Implications
Whilst there is a wealth of research available into the relationship between activity levels and health, 'perceived' activity is a different matter. This research suggests that a person's perceptions about health and healthy behaviours may have an impact on health outcomes.
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