Exploring correlates of physical activity using the multi-process action control framework: is there a moderating role for mental health?

Abstract

ABSTRACT It is well established that individuals with poor mental health are less physically active than individuals with good mental health, in part due to symptoms like fatigue and cognitive difficulties. Despite the role of theory in intervention development, limited work has investigated the application of theoretical models of physical activity (PA) to individuals with poor mental health. This study tests a hypothesised model based on the Multi-Process Action Control (M-PAC) framework in individuals with perceived good vs. poor mental health. A secondary data analysis was performed on a cross-sectional sample of 13,881 Canadian adults. Participants completed a survey with items examining mental health, reflective processes (e.g., attitudes), intention, regulatory processes, and moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA). Three quarters (74.8%) of participants self-rated their mental health as good, and one quarter (25.2%) rated it as poor. A moderation model was performed using multigroup path analysis. There were no between-group differences for most direct pathways. The model was partially moderated by mental health. The effects of affective attitudes on intentions (B = 0.28, p < .001) and intentions on regulations (B = 0.36, p < .001) were significantly stronger among those with poor mental health. The strongest total effect on MVPA for the poor mental health group was perceived capability (β = .17, p < .001). The M-PAC framework may be helpful for predicting PA levels among adults with poor perceived mental health. Future research should prospectively test the full M-PAC model to better inform PA intervention research among adults with poor mental health.