Contributions of Hope in physical activity and exercise goal attainment in college students

College students significantly decrease physical activity (PA) over the course of a four-year degree, increasing the risk for chronic disease. Research shows that psychological constructs impact behavior and goal attainment. However, little is known regarding the effect of psychological variables on PA levels in students. This study examined the association of psychological factors, PA, and exercise goals in college students.

Students completed two questionnaires within one semester approximately 8 weeks apart. The first (Time 1) included the Adult Hope Scale, Life Orientation Test-Revised, Self-Efficacy to Regulate Exercise, International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and goal assessments. The second (Time 2) included the IPAQ, and scales for goal progress and success. One-hundred seven participants completed both surveys and included an exercise goal.

Predictors of exercise goal attainment included moderate PA at Time 1, goal importance, hope-agency, and the hope-agency by major interaction. Predictors of vigorous PA at Time 2 included hope-agency and moderate PA. The only predictor of moderate PA at Time 2 was moderate PA at Time 1. The only predictor of total PA at Time 2 was moderate PA at Time 1.

Higher hope-agency scores predicted self-reported vigorous PA. We also provide evidence that trait hope influences perceived exercise goal achievement over time.