Correlates of Exercise Intentions in Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Survivors: An Application of the Theory of Planned Behavior

Abstract

In the present study we examined the demographic, medical, and social cognitive correlates of exercise intentions in non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) survivors using the theory of planned behavior (TPB). Participants were 399 NHL survivors who completed a mailed survey that assessed demographics, past exercise, and the TPB (i.e., intention, perceived behavioral control, affective and instrumental attitudes, and subjective norm). Descriptive data indicated that only about 50% of NHL survivors intended to exercise at levels that are consistent with current public health guidelines. In support of the TPB, multiple regression analysis indicated that the model explained 55% of the variance in exercise intentions, with perceived behavioral control (β = .47), affective attitude (β = .23), and subjective norm (β = .15), being the most important correlates. It was concluded that the TPB provides a good framework on which to base interventions designed to increase exercise intentions in NHL survivors.