Investigating the role of communication between descriptive norms and exercise intentions and behaviors: findings among fitness tracker users

Abstract

Objective This study investigates the relationship between fitness tracker users’ communication of exercise information and their exercise intentions and behaviors among college students. Participants: Data were collected from 186 undergraduate students. Methods: A quantitative online survey was conducted. Descriptive norm (perceptions of prevalence of others’ behaviors), communication (including exercise information giving and exercise information receiving), exercise behaviors, and exercise intentions were measured with reliable scales. Results: Both exercise information giving and information receiving were positively associated with exercise behaviors and intentions. Information giving moderated the association between descriptive norms and exercise intentions and behaviors, while information receiving moderated the association between descriptive norms and exercise intentions. Conclusion: The interaction effect between descriptive norm and communication suggests that health educators and campaign designers should focus on descriptive norm of exercise for college students who have limited communication activities. It is important to find innovative ways to promote positive health behaviors.