Application of the Transtheoretical Model to Exercise Behavior among Nontraditional College Students

Abstract

This study examined the applicability of the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) to understanding exercise behavior among a sample of nontraditional college students at a southwestern university. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted. The independent variable was stage of exercise behavior change. The dependent variables analyzed were exercise efficacy expectations, decisional balance (i.e., pros and cons), and the processes of change. Six hundred and eighty students (mean age = 27.45 ± 8.2 years, 62.0% female, 85.9% Caucasian) representing various disciplines on campus (e.g., education, engineering) completed valid and reliable questionnaire packets during regularly scheduled classes. Fifty-nine percent of the sample were sedentary or exercised irregularly (precontemplation [PC], contemplation, or preparation stages), whereas 17% were in the action stage (A, regularly active <6 months) and 23% were in the maintenance stage (M, regularly active ≥6 months). Results revealed that all of the TTM constructs differed significantly across exercise stages. Students in PC scored the lowest and those in M scored the highest on efficacy expectations and pros, with the pattern reversed on cons. Use of processes of change generally increased steadily from PC to A and then leveled off. Results support the use of the entire TTM in examining exercise behavior among nontraditional college students.