Inoculation Theory and Sport, Exercise, and Physical Activity

Movement is at the core of human existence. For infants and children, exploratory movement offers a scaffold for important learning and development outcomes, and in adolescents and adults, regular activity is key for promoting good physical and mental health. With movement so central to the development and positive life outcomes, people are often positively oriented—at least psychologically—toward regular participation in sport, exercise, and/or physical activity. However, these orientations can slip in light of various intra- and inter-individual pressures, and with this issue in mind, inoculation theory holds promise as an agent for maintaining positive movement-related cognitions, emotions, and behavior. In this chapter, we discuss literature on inoculation theory and inoculation principles in the fields of sport, exercise, and physical activity, and offer suggestions for future research on the application of inoculation theory in these contexts.