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Predicting vigorous physical activity using social cognitive theory.
R Lingyak Petosa1, Rick Suminski, Brian Hortz
1Health Promotion, Exercise Science, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA. Petosa.1@osu.edu
American Journal of Health Behavior
|July 29, 2003
Summary
Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) effectively predicts vigorous physical activity in college students. Key factors include self-regulation, self-efficacy, and social support, explaining 27% of activity variance.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Science
- Exercise Science
- Health Psychology
Background:
- Understanding determinants of physical activity is crucial for public health.
- College students often exhibit lower levels of vigorous physical activity.
- Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) provides a framework for examining psychosocial influences on behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the predictive utility of SCT constructs for vigorous physical activity.
- To identify specific SCT factors influencing physical activity in a college student population.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 350 college students participated in the study.
- Participants completed validated questionnaires assessing SCT constructs.
- Vigorous physical activity was objectively tracked over a 4-week period.
Main Results:
- Exercise role identity, self-regulation, outcome expectancy value, social support, self-efficacy, and positive exercise experience were significant predictors.
- These SCT constructs collectively explained 27% of the variance in vigorous physical activity.
- Self-efficacy and self-regulation emerged as particularly strong predictors.
Conclusions:
- Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) is a valuable framework for understanding vigorous physical activity in college students.
- Interventions targeting SCT constructs may enhance physical activity levels in this demographic.
- Further research should explore the interplay of these factors in diverse populations.