Psychosocial Factors of Stages of Change and Physical Activity among Adults with Mild Intellectual Disabilities

Abstract

The Transtheoretical Model (TTM) has been recommended as a theoretical framework for physical activity interventions which may enhance motivation and participation in regular physical activity (RPA). However, little is known in its applicability in promoting RPA of individuals with intellectual disabilities. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between the TTM and physical activity (PA) of adults with mild intellectual disabilities (MID). METHOD: A total of 121 Taiwanese adults with MID (Age in yr.: M = 27.1, SD = 9.3; Males = 59.5%), participated in the study. Self-reports of the TTM constructs were gathered through interviews. Pedometer step counts and Bouchard 3-Day Physical Activity Records were measured and recorded with assistances of direct caregivers of participants with MID. One-way multivariate analyses of variance (MANOVA), direct discriminant functional analyses (DDFAs), and multiple regression analyses (MRAs) were performed to identify factors that link the Stages of Change (SOC), TTM psychosocial constructs, and the actual PA behavior. RESULTS: MANOVA revealed that the behavioral processes of change (η2 = .240) and the Cognitive Processes of Change (η2 = .236) contributed most of the variance in SOC followed by Self-Efficacy (η2 = .160), and Perceived Pros (η2 = .068). DDFAs produced one significant discriminant function (Wilks' Λ = .72, χ2 [15] = 37.80, p = .000; Canonical R = .50). The variance accounted for in the between-group variability was 88.6% for the discriminant function. The classification accuracy across stages was 56.2%. MRAs indicated a significant relationship between the TTM psychosocial variables and moderate and vigorous physical activity (MVPA; F (6, 109) = 2.603, p = .013; R2 = .136) but not with Step Counts (SC; p = .244; R2 = .079). The TTM psychosocial variables accounted for 14.4% of the variance in MVPA. The Behavioral Processes of Change, Self-Efficacy and Gender were the most important MVPA predictors. CONCLUSION: The theorized pattern of association between the SOC and the TTM psychosocial constructs were partially supported. Psychosocial measures specially developed for the Taiwanese population with MID should be further explored, allowing culturally relevant factors to be taken into consideration.