Body satisfaction is associated with Transtheoretical Model constructs for physical activity behavior change.

Area of Science:

• Health Behavior Science
• Exercise Psychology
• Behavioral Medicine

Background:

• Physical activity levels in the US remain suboptimal, with less than half the population meeting recommendations.
• The Transtheoretical Model (TTM) provides a framework for understanding behavior change, including physical activity.
• The role of body satisfaction in physical activity maintenance requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the association between body satisfaction and Transtheoretical Model (TTM) constructs.
• To determine if body satisfaction predicts progress through stages of physical activity behavior change.
• To examine the relationship between body satisfaction and long-term physical activity maintenance.

Main Methods:

• Two cross-sectional studies were conducted with a total of 1887 participants (n=432; n=1455).
• Regression analyses were performed to assess the predictive power of body satisfaction on TTM constructs.
• Analyses controlled for demographic variables and other relevant TTM variables.

Main Results:

• Body satisfaction significantly explained 2-8% of the variance in TTM constructs that drive stage movement.
• Higher body satisfaction was associated with stages of change related to short-term ( >6 months) maintenance.
• Body satisfaction was also significantly linked to long-term ( >5 years) physical activity maintenance.

Conclusions:

• Body satisfaction is a significant factor influencing physical activity behavior change and maintenance.
• Integrating body satisfaction interventions with TTM-based strategies may improve long-term adherence to physical activity.
• Further research with robust designs is recommended to confirm these findings and inform intervention development.