Time frame and perceived stress in the intention-planning-physical activity link

Area of Science:

• Behavioral Science
• Health Psychology
• Exercise Science

Background:

• The Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) framework guides understanding of intention-behavior gaps.
• Planning is crucial for translating intentions into physical activity (PA).
• The influence of different planning types and time frames on PA remains an area for investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine how action planning and coping planning influence physical activity (PA) across different time frames (daily vs. weekly).
• To investigate the moderating role of perceived stress on the intention-planning-PA relationship.
• To apply the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) framework to understand PA behavior dynamics.

Main Methods:

• 177 participants completed baseline assessments and a 21-day daily survey.
• Measured perceived stress, intention, action planning, coping planning, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA).
• Utilized multilevel modeling and moderated mediation to analyze daily and weekly dynamics.

Main Results:

• Action planning significantly predicted daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA).
• Coping planning mediated the intention-MVPA relationship on a weekly basis.
• Perceived stress did not significantly moderate the intention-planning-PA link.

Conclusions:

• Action planning is more effective for immediate, daily PA goals.
• Coping planning is more beneficial for sustaining PA intentions over a week.
• Findings suggest tailored planning strategies can enhance PA interventions.