Relationship Among Transtheoretical Model Constructs and Perceived Fitness: Implications for Long-Term Physical Activity Adherence

Abstract

Rates of long-term adherence to physical activity are low. Thus, examination of novel relationships among psychosocial constructs for physical activity is needed. PURPOSE: Examine the relationship among perceived fitness and transtheoretical model constructs within the action, maintenance and termination stages of change. METHODS: Participants completed measures of transtheoretical model constructs, leisure-time exercise and perceived fitness. Separately for men (n = 292) and women (n = 300), a series of logistic regressions were conducted to explore (1) the independent contribution of perceived fitness and transtheoretical model variables for stage of change and (2) whether perceived fitness moderates the relationship between transtheoretical model constructs and stage of change. RESULTS: For men in action/maintenance stages, affect temptation was negatively associated with stage [model χ2 (2) = 22.61, p < 0.001]. Moderation analyses suggested that compared to men with high perceived fitness, men with low perceived fitness reported higher competing demands temptation [model χ2 (3) = 12.11, p = 0.007]. For men in maintenance/termination stages, greater perceived fitness, greater self-efficacy and lower affect temptation were associated with higher stage [model χ2 (4) = 44.76, p < 0.001]. Moderation analyses were not significant. For women in action/maintenance stages, perceived fitness and experiential processes were positively associated with stage [model χ2 (1) = 25.80, p < 0.001]. Moderation analysis showed that compared to women with high perceived fitness, women with low perceived fitness reported higher competing demands temptation [model χ2 (3) = 18.00, p < 0.001]. For women in maintenance/termination stages, greater perceived fitness was associated with higher stage [model χ2 (1) = 22.27, p < 0.001]. Moderation analyses found that compared to women with high perceived fitness, women with low perceived fitness reported higher competing demands temptation [model χ2 (3) = 27.17, p < 0.001]. CONCLUSIONS: Potential mechanisms by which perceived fitness and transtheoretical constructs influence long-term adherence to physical activity for men and women were identified. Prospective and randomized control methods are needed to further examine how these mechanisms differ by sex.