The mediating role of behavioural automaticity and intention on past to future bootcamp attendance

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective The aim of the current study was to test whether behavioural automaticity and intention mediated the effects of past behaviour on a particular type of vigorous physical exercise: bootcamp attendance. Methods A community sample (N = 69) who had previously attended a bootcamp class was recruited from Queensland, Australia. Participants were asked to complete measures of their previous bootcamp attendance, behavioural automaticity, and intention to attend bootcamps (Time 1). One month later (Time 2), participants were asked to report their bootcamp attendance and behavioural automaticity in the previous month. Data were fitted to a Partial Least Squares-SEM model. Results Past behaviour predicted both intention and behavioural automaticity. However, while behavioural automaticity significantly predicted prospectively measured behaviour and mediated the past-future behaviour relationship, there was no significant relationship between intention and bootcamp attendance. Past behaviour still predicted future behaviour beyond both behavioural automaticity and intention. Conclusions Current results support dual process and habit theory in that behavioural automaticity accounts for a portion of the residual effect of past behaviour on future behaviour which is not accounted for by intentional processes. The lack of significant effect by intention may also support these theories, as bootcamp classes likely occur in a stable context (e.g., at a prescribed time and in a regular location), encouraging habitual responding over considered decision-making.