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Physical Activity in Peri-Urban Communities: Testing Intentional and Implicit Processes within an Ecological
Jenny L Olson1,2, Michael J Ireland1, Sonja March1
1University of Southern Queensland, Springfield Central, Australia.
Applied Psychology. Health and Well-Being
|November 16, 2019
Summary
Autonomous motivation and supportive environments enhance physical activity intentions and automaticity in peri-urban Australians. Targeting motivation and beliefs can improve physical activity engagement.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Behavioral Science
- Environmental Psychology
Background:
- Peri-urban communities face significant health disparities.
- Physical activity is a key strategy for improving health in these populations.
- Understanding modifiable determinants of physical activity is crucial for intervention development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of peri-urban environmental factors and psychological constructs on physical activity intentions and behavioral automaticity.
- To examine the mediating roles of social cognition and the direct effects of motivational factors.
- To apply an integrated theoretical framework to understand physical activity behavior.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 271 peri-urban Australians.
- Self-report measures assessed environmental perceptions, autonomous motivation, social cognition (attitudes, norms, perceived behavioral control [PBC]), past behavior, intentions, and automaticity.
- Path analysis was employed to model relationships between constructs.
Main Results:
- Autonomous motivation positively predicted social cognition, intentions, and automaticity.
- Subjective norms and PBC mediated the effects of autonomous motivation on intentions.
- Neighbourhood selection was the only environmental factor related to intentions, mediated by PBC.
Conclusions:
- Autonomous motivation is a significant correlate of physical activity intentions and automaticity.
- Perceptions of a supportive environment are linked to positive perceived behavioral control and intentions.
- Interventions targeting autonomous motivation and social cognitive beliefs may enhance physical activity in peri-urban settings.
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