Multi-Process Action Control in Physical Activity: A Primer.

Ryan E Rhodes

doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2021.797484

Abstract

The gap between the decision to engage in physical activity and subsequent behavioral enactment is considerable for many. Action control theories focus on this discordance in an attempt to improve the translation of intention into behavior. The purpose of this mini-review was to overview one of these approaches, the multi-process action control (M-PAC) framework, which has evolved from a collection of previous works. The main concepts and operational structure of M-PAC was overviewed followed by applications of the framework in physical activity, and concluded with unanswered questions, limitations, and possibilities for future research. In M-PAC, it is suggested that three layered processes (reflective, regulatory, reflexive) build upon each other from the formation of an intention to a sustained profile of physical activity action control. Intention-behavior discordance is because of strategic challenges in goal pursuit (differences in outcome vs. behavioral goals; balancing multiple behavioral goals) and automatic tendencies (approach-avoidance, conservation of energy expenditure). Regulatory processes (prospective and reactive tactics) are employed to hold the relationship between reflective processes and behavior concordant by countering these strategic challenges and automatic tendencies until the development of reflexive processes (habit, identity) begin to co-determine action control. Results from 29 observational and preliminary experimental studies generally support the proposed M-PAC framework. Future research is needed to explore the temporal dynamic between reflexive and regulatory constructs, and implement M-PAC interventions in different forms (e.g., mobile health), and at different levels of scale (clinical, group, population).

Highlights

While most chronic health conditions have complex environmental, genetic, and behavioral etiologies (Kujala, 2011; Mulle and Vaccarino, 2013), adhering to regular health behaviors such as physical activity (PA) is critical to health promotion (Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee, 2018; Chaput et al, 2020)
multi-process action control (M-PAC) has evolved within a collection of previous works, each with a focus on different aspects of the approach (Rhodes and de Bruijn, 2013b; Rhodes and Yao, 2015; Rhodes, 2017; Rhodes et al, 2021)
The gap between the decision to engage in PA and subsequent behavioral enactment is considerable for many

Summary

Introduction

While most chronic health conditions have complex environmental, genetic, and behavioral etiologies (Kujala, 2011; Mulle and Vaccarino, 2013), adhering to regular health behaviors such as physical activity (PA) is critical to health promotion (Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee, 2018; Chaput et al, 2020). Understanding of the key antecedents of the PA enactment process using a theoretical foundation designed for behavior change intervention is desirable (Michie et al, 2014) To this end, many theoretical approaches to understanding PA have been explored for over half a century (Rhodes et al, 2019b). Many theoretical approaches to understanding PA have been explored for over half a century (Rhodes et al, 2019b) The purpose of this mini-review is to overview the multi-process action control (M-PAC) framework and its potential utility in designing PA interventions as well as explaining certain PA behaviors. The key aims of the review are to overview (a) the context for M-PAC in PA promotion, including its main concepts, and operational structure, and (b) highlight some applications of the framework. This overview concludes with unanswered questions, limitations, and possibilities for future research

Objectives

Findings

Conclusion