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Published on: March 7, 2019
Understanding action control: predicting physical activity intention-behavior profiles across 6 months in a Canadian
Ryan E Rhodes1, Ronald C Plotnikoff
1Behavioural Medicine Laboratory, School of Physical Education, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada. rhodes@uvic.ca
Summary
Understanding physical activity behavior requires examining intention-behavior links. Self-efficacy and behavioral change processes predict action control, crucial for adopting and maintaining physical activity.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Science
- Health Psychology
- Exercise Science
Background:
- Intention is a key motivator for behavior, but translating intentions into action (action control) is crucial for sustained physical activity.
- Understanding predictors of action control is vital for designing effective physical activity interventions.
- The transtheoretical model (TTM) offers constructs to explain behavior change, but its application to intention-behavior profiles needs further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate transtheoretical model (TTM) constructs as predictors of physical activity intention-behavior profiles.
- To analyze intention-behavior relationships over a 6-month period in a Canadian population.
- To identify specific intervention targets for promoting physical activity adoption and maintenance.
Main Methods:
- A large Canadian sample (N = 1,192) participated in a 6-month study.
- Participants' physical activity intentions and behaviors were assessed.
- Transtheoretical model (TTM) constructs were analyzed as predictors of intention-behavior profiles.
Main Results:
- Five distinct intention-behavior profiles emerged: nonintenders, unsuccessful adopters, successful adopters, unsuccessful maintainers, and successful maintainers.
- TTM constructs significantly differentiated these intention-behavior profiles (p < .01).
- Self-efficacy and behavioral processes of change strongly predicted action control (p < .01).
Conclusions:
- Both action planning and action control are essential for understanding physical activity behavior.
- Specific TTM constructs, like self-efficacy and behavioral processes, offer targeted strategies for physical activity interventions.
- Tailoring interventions based on intention-behavior profiles and TTM constructs can enhance physical activity adoption and maintenance.
