Predicting exercise behaviour in Iranian college students: Utility of an integrated model of health behaviour based on the transtheoretical model and self-determination theory

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate an integrated theoretical model of health behaviour based on constructs from the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) and Self-determination Theory (SDT). Design: Cross-sectional. Methods: Participants ( N = 418) were students from five medical sciences universities located in northern Iran. Participants completed translated versions of Godin and Shephard’s Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire (LTEQ) and another questionnaire which included a range of constructs from the TTM and SDT. Data were analyzed using bivariate correlation and structural equation modeling. Results: The relationships between exercise behaviour and all of the constructs from the TTM and SDT (except external regulation) were statistically significant. The modified model provided a good fit to the data and explained 82% of the variance in current exercise behaviour. All of the structural pathways, with the exception of pros and cons, were significant and positive. Conclusions: Study findings support the application of an integrated model of health behaviour combining constructs from the TTM and SDT to explain the exercise behaviour of Iranian college students.