Physical Activity Intentions Research Articles

The effect of descriptive norms and social identification on performance and exertion during a physical fitness task.

Research suggests that people's perceptions of the typical physical activity behaviors of others-descriptive norms-shape their own physical activity. However, prior work has primarily used cross-sectional designs, focused on people's physical activity intentions or self-reported overall physical activity, and failed to attend to how the normative referent affects the norm-behavior relationship. In a pre-registered experiment, we manipulated the descriptive norm to explore its effect on perceived exertion during, and objectively assessed performance on, an exercise (running) task. We also measured the strength of participants' social identification as a member of the norm reference group as a potential moderator. Following a baseline trial, participants (N=78) were either told that their baseline score on the running task was below average (high norm condition) or above average (low norm condition) compared to members of the reference group. Participants in both conditions tended to perform better in Trial 2 than Trial 1. However, participants in the high norm condition improved their performance significantly (2.5 times) more than participants in the low norm condition. Social identification moderated the effect of the norm manipulation on perceived exertion. High identifiers tended to exert themselves less than low identifiers during Trial 2 if they were told they were above average, whereas if told they were below average, high identifiers exerted themselves slightly more than low identifiers. Results provide evidence that descriptive norm messages can improve people's performance on physically demanding tasks, and indicate that descriptive physical activity norms may be more influential when the norm reference group is subjectively meaningful. Opportunities to fruitfully deploy norm messages in applied contexts are discussed.

A dual process model to predict adolescents’ screen time and physical activity

Objective Many adolescents report a lack of physical activity (PA) and excess screen time (ST). Psychological theories aiming to understand these behaviours typically focus on predictors of only one behaviour. Yet, behaviour enactment is often a choice between options. This study sought to examine predictors of PA and ST in a single model. Variables were drawn from dual process models, which portray behaviour as the outcome of deliberative and automatic processes. Design 411 Finnish vocational school students (age 17–19) completed a survey, comprising variables from the Reasoned Action Approach (RAA) and automaticity pertaining to PA and ST, and self-reported PA and ST four weeks later. Main outcome measures Self-reported time spent on PA and ST and their predictors. Results PA and ST correlated negatively (r = −.17, p = .03). Structural equation modelling revealed that intentions and habit for PA predicted PA while ST was predicted by intentions and habit for ST and negatively by PA intentions. RAA-cognitions predicted intentions. Conclusion PA and ST and their psychological predictors seem to be weakly interlinked. Future studies should assess more behaviours and related psychological influences to get a better picture of connections between different behaviours. Highlights Physical activity and screen time are largely mutually exclusive classes of behaviours and might therefore be related in terms of their psychological predictors. 411 adolescent vocational school students self-reported variables from the Reasoned Action Approach and behavioural automaticity related to physical activity and leisure time screen time behaviours as well as those behaviours. Structural equation modelling revealed expected within-behaviour predictions but, against expectations, no strong connections between the two behaviour classes in terms of their predictors. Only intentions to engage in physical activity negatively predicted screen time. Future research should aim to measure a wider range of mutually exclusive classes of behaviours that cover a large share of the day to uncover relations between behaviours and their respective predictors.

Consolidation, Stages of Change, and Loyalty among Users of Public Sports and Health Services Aged 12-16.

There are two main lines of inquiry in the literature on adherence and/or loyalty to the practice of physical activity and to health services: one focuses on the impact of perceived quality of sports and health services and satisfaction with these services on user loyalty, while the other concludes that users with more self-determined motivation at more advanced stages of physical activity display higher levels of physical activity and greater intentions to continue this activity. The objective of this study is to ascertain the impact of different dimensions of sports service quality on satisfaction and loyalty among users aged 12 to 16 years old and to identify any differences between adolescent users at more and less consolidated stages of physical activity. A total of 1717 minors with a mean age of 13.83 ± 1.32 years who practise organised physical activity at public sports centres in Nuevo León (Mexico), 51.5% of whom were boys, participated in the study. The model of structural equations linking quality, satisfaction, and loyalty displayed adequate indices. The results showed that the staff, specific activity, and user satisfaction are predictors of loyalty. Significant differences were only found between minors at consolidated and non-consolidated stages of physical activity in the relationship between service personnel and loyalty. In conclusion, human resources and their deployment are predictive of loyalty towards sports and health services among adolescents.

Factors Associated With the Intention to Begin Physical Activity Among Inactive Middle-Aged and Older Adults.

Factors that affect physical activity (PA) behavior change are well established. Behavioral intention is a strong psychological predictor of behavior; however, there is less research on the factors that affect the intention to increase PA participation specifically, especially among adults in mid and later life who are inactive. Using data from the Canadian Community Health Survey, which was informed by the transtheoretical model (TTM), this study investigated the relationships between a range of demographic and biopsychosocial factors with the intention to become physically active among 1,159 inactive adults aged 40 years and older. Comparisons were made between participants reporting the intention to begin PA in the next 30 days (TTM Preparation; n = 610), 6 months (TTM Contemplation; n = 216), or not at all (TTM Precontemplation; n = 333). First, multinomial logistic regression identified age, sex, ethnicity, education, restriction of activities, self-perceived health, and community belonging as factors significantly associated with 30-day PA intention, while age and ethnicity were significantly associated with 6-month PA intention, compared with those reporting no intention. Second, binary logistic regression revealed that education was the only factor that differentially associated with intention timeframe as participants with lower levels of education were less likely to report PA intention in 30 days compared with 6 months. Findings demonstrate key demographic, biopsychosocial, and temporal factors that warrant consideration for tailored PA promotion programs that aim to effectively address the constraints and barriers that negatively influence PA intention among middle-aged and older adults.

Motivation and Intention Toward Physical Activity During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Perspectives From Integrated Model of Self-Determination and Planned Behavior Theories.

Background: In attempts to hinder the spread of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), many countries have continued distancing, isolation, and quarantine measures, which has led to limited opportunity of physical activity. This study provides empirical support for a motivational process behind physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic by testing the influence of psychosocial variables derived from the integrated model of self-determination theory (SDT) and the theory of planned behavior (TPB).Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among Korean adults (N = 248). Participants completed the measures of SDT and TPB constructs modified to reflect their participation in physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic. A sample size of 243 participants was employed, and the integrated model was tested using serial multiple mediation analysis to check the hypothesized relationships.Results: Findings indicated that in the COVID-19 context, the satisfaction of basic psychological needs positively predicts the level of self-determined motivations for physical activity, which is partially related to the level of social cognitive beliefs and intentions. The findings also demonstrated that attitude toward physical activity during COVID-19 was a major variable explaining the serial multiple relationships between the SDT and TPB constructs. The potential influence of demographics (gender, age, marital status, and past physical activity) was controlled as a covariate, and no significant effects were identified.Conclusion: The current study identified the psychosocial mechanisms of intention of South Koreans' physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic, which could be used as an empirical basis for the development of interventions to maintain or strengthen physical activity in unprecedented situations.

Determinants of Fitness App Usage and Moderating Impacts of Education-, Motivation-, and Gamification-Related App Features on Physical Activity Intentions: Cross-sectional Survey Study.

BackgroundSmartphone fitness apps are considered promising tools for promoting physical activity and health. However, it is unclear which user-perceived factors and app features encourage users to download apps with the intention of being physically active.ObjectiveBuilding on the second version of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology, this study aims to examine the association of the seven determinants of the second version of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology with the app usage intentions of the individuals and their behavioral intentions of being physically active as well as the moderating effects of different smartphone fitness app features (ie, education, motivation, and gamification related) and individual differences (ie, age, gender, and experience) on these intentions.MethodsData from 839 US residents who reported having used at least one smartphone fitness app were collected via a web-based survey. A confirmatory factor analysis was performed, and path modeling was used to test the hypotheses and explore the influence of moderators on structural relationships.ResultsThe determinants explain 76% of the variance in the behavioral intention to use fitness apps. Habit (β=.42; P<.001), performance expectancy (β=.36; P<.001), facilitating conditions (β=.15; P<.001), price value (β=.13; P<.001), and effort expectancy (β=.09; P=.04) were positively related to behavioral intention to use fitness apps, whereas social influence and hedonic motivation were nonsignificant predictors. Behavioral intentions to use fitness apps were positively related to intentions of being physically active (β=.12; P<.001; R2=0.02). Education-related app features moderated the association between performance expectancy and habit and app usage intentions; motivation-related features moderated the association of performance expectancy, facilitating conditions, and habit with usage intentions; and gamification-related features moderated the association between hedonic motivation and usage intentions. Age moderated the association between effort expectancy and usage intentions, and gender moderated the association between performance expectancy and habit and usage intentions. User experience was a nonsignificant moderator. Follow-up tests were used to describe the nature of significant interaction effects.ConclusionsThis study identifies the drivers of the use of fitness apps. Smartphone app features should be designed to increase the likelihood of app usage, and hence physical activity, by supporting users in achieving their goals and facilitating habit formation. Target group–specific preferences for education-, motivation-, and gamification-related app features, as well as age and gender differences, should be considered. Performance expectancy had a high predictive power for intended usage for male (vs female) users who appreciated motivation-related features. Thus, apps targeting these user groups should focus on goal achievement–related features (eg, goal setting and monitoring). Future research could examine the mechanisms of these moderation effects and their long-term influence on physical activity.

What Predicts the Physical Activity Intention-Behavior Gap? A Systematic Review.

Intention is theorized as the proximal determinant of behavior in many leading theories and yet intention-behavior discordance is prevalent. To theme and appraise the variables that have been evaluated as potential moderators of the intention-physical activity (I-PA) relationship using the capability-opportunity-motivation- behavior model as an organizational frame. Literature searches were concluded in August 2020 using seven common databases. Eligible studies were selected from English language peer-reviewed journals and had to report an empirical test of moderation of I-PA with a third variable. Findings were grouped by the moderator variable for the main analysis, and population sample, study design, type of PA, and study quality were explored in subanalyses. The search yielded 1,197 hits, which was reduced to 129 independent studies (138 independent samples) of primarily moderate quality after screening for eligibility criteria. Moderators of the I-PA relationship were present among select variables within sociodemographic (employment status) and personality (conscientiousness) categories. Physical capability, and social and environmental opportunity did not show evidence of interacting with I-PA relations, while psychological capability had inconclusive findings. By contrast, key factors underlying reflective (intention stability, intention commitment, low goal conflict, affective attitude, anticipated regret, perceived behavioral control/self-efficacy) and automatic (identity) motivation were moderators of I-PA relations. Findings were generally invariant to study characteristics. Traditional intention theories may need to better account for key I-PA moderators. Action control theories that include these moderators may identify individuals at risk for not realizing their PA intentions. Prospero # CRD42020142629.

Brightness Motivates Healthy Behaviors: The Role of Self-Accountability

A growing literature suggests the possibility that brightness (vs. darkness) affects myriad human behaviors and how people think. One stream suggests that brightness increases self-awareness. We extend these findings and formally hypothesize that brightness (vs. darkness) increases self-accountability, thereby motivating people to take actions to meet their self-standards for health, of which most people generally fall short. Three experimental studies were conducted. The results indicate that brightness increases healthier food choices (Study 1) and physical activity intentions (Study 2). Self-accountability mediates the effect (Study 2), while manipulating self-accountability moderates it (Study 3), thereby providing evidence for its likely causal role in explaining the impact of brightness on facilitating healthy behaviors. The findings offer insights into the positive benefits of brightness beyond past findings that it improves mood and psychological well-being. Limitations of the current research as well as future research directions are discussed.

Laying the Foundation for Pregnancy Physical Activity Profiling: A Framework for Providing Tailored Physical Activity Advice and Guidance to Pregnant Women

The aim of this study was to examine the predictive utility of the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) in explaining pregnant women’s physical activity (PA) intentions and behaviour and to scrutinise the role of past behaviour within this context. Pregnant women (n = 89) completed the pregnancy physical activity questionnaire (PPAQ) and newly developed TPB questionnaire on two separate occasions during their pregnancy. Analyses were carried out in relation to three scenarios. Firstly, when considering the original TPB, intention emerged as the strongest determinant of pregnant women’s PA behaviour. Secondly, controlling for past behaviour attenuated the influence of intention and perceived behavioural control on behaviour, with neither of the original variables providing a unique influence. Finally, the addition of past behaviour added significantly to the prediction of intention with the model as a whole, explaining 85% of the variance in pregnant women’s PA intention, and with past behaviour uniquely contributing 44.8% of the variance. Pregnancy physical activity profiling based on intention and behaviour status is subsequently introduced as a novel and practical framework. This provides healthcare professionals with the opportunity and structure to provide tailored advice and guidance to pregnant women, thereby facilitating engagement with PA throughout motherhood.

Understanding the Physical Activity Behavior of Iranian Female Students: Two Approaches to Analyzing the Theory of Planned Behavior

Background Living without sufficient amount of physical activity is known as a contributing factor to countless diseases. This research study aimed to determine the relationships between the constructs of the theory of planned behavior and female students’ physical activity with a path analysis approach. Materials and Methods The present research is a descriptive-analytic study conducted through cross-sectional data collection procedure. 185 female students were selected via multi-phase random sampling in elementary schools in Mashhad, Iran, from February to November 2018. Path analysis was performed by AMOOS version 22.0 and SmartPLS 2.0 to test the causal relationship among physical activityand constructs of the theory of planned behavior. Results The age range of female students was between 10 and 13, with mean and standard deviation of 11.51 ±0.76, respectively. The results showed that the constructs of attitude (r=0.177, p=0.018), and perceived behavioral control (r=0.234, p=0.001) had a direct and significant relationship with physical activity intention. However, the direct relationship between the constructs of subjective norms and physical activity intention was not significant (P>0.05). Also the direct relationship between the constructs of physical activity intention and physical activity behavior was not significant (P>0.05). Conclusion Based on the results, the constructs of attitude, and perceived behavioral control had a direct and significant relationship with physical activity intention in female students.

One Size Does Not Fit All: Financial Incentives Needed to Change Physical Exercise Levels for Different Groups.

This study estimated the distribution of willingness to accept (WTA) for a physical activity behavior change intervention entailing the completion of 10,000 steps/day to shed light on which levels of incentives trigger a change in behavior for different proportions of the population and for more at-risk subgroups. An online contingent valuation (CV) survey was administered to 1130 respondents in the Basque Autonomous Community, Spain. The survey queried respondents about their physical activity levels and intention to engage in physical activity before presenting the WTA questions. Nonparametric WTA values were estimated for the whole sample and for subsamples of active, inactive, and overweight and obese people. One-quarter of respondents would engage with the hypothetical program even without payment, but if a monetary incentive was offered them, they would take it. The median WTA for committing to complete 10,000 steps/day is €0.23 for the full sample, €0.21 for active, €0.25 for inactive, and €0.23 for overweight and obese people. The WTA at 75th percentile is €4 for the full sample, €1.70 for active, €10.80 for inactive, and €5 for overweight and obese respondents. WTA is positively affected by a person's lack of disposable time to increase their physical activity and, for inactive people, by their poor intention to become physically active.

Determinants of Physical Activity in Older Adults: Integrating Self-Concordance into the Theory of Planned Behavior.

Based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB), augmented by the concept of self-concordance (derived from self-determination theory, SDT), we conducted a study to identify the key determinants of physical activity in older adults. We applied structural equation modeling of telephone survey data from a random sample of adults aged 65 years and older living in Germany (N = 865). Relations of attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control (PBC) with intention strength and self-concordance of intention to be physically active were tested. Habit strength was analyzed as a moderator. Data analysis showed this model to be well-suited for explaining the intention to be physically active—especially for people with a weak habit. The influence of TPB components on intention would have been underestimated if we had investigated intention strength only, without considering the self-concordance of intention. While attitude and PBC had positive relations with a strong and self-determined intention, the subjective norm showed no relation with intention strength but, rather, with non-self-determined regulation forms. We conclude that the combined model provides a better theoretical foundation from which to explain physical activity intentions than does just one of the theories.

Towards a better understanding of the role of perceived task variety in Physical Education: A self-determination theory approach

Grounded in self-determination theory (SDT), perceived task variety has been related to motivational outcomes and physical activity-related behaviors in exercise settings. However, no studies have examined the role of perceived task variety in Physical Education (PE) from an SDT perspective. This cross-sectional study aspires to expand the role of perceived task variety from the context of exercise to the field of PE via multi-study: Study 1, in a sample of 210 students (Mage = 13.07 ± 0.64), aims to validate the Perceived Task Variety in Physical Education (PTVPE) questionnaire; Study 2, in a sample of 908 students (Mage = 14.35 ± 1.54), aims to examine whether perceived task variety in PE predicts additional variance in physical activity intention when assessed alongside satisfaction of the basic psychological needs, through the mediating effect of self-determined motivation. In Study 1, results showed that PTVPE is a valid and reliable questionnaire to measure perceived task variety in PE, displaying a one-factor structure invariant across gender. Perceived task variety in PE was found to be empirically distinct from the satisfaction of the other three basic psychological needs. In addition, perceived task variety predicted variance in autonomous motivation in PE, in addition to that explained by the satisfaction of the three basic psychological needs. In Study 2, results indicated that perceived variety in PE, alongside need satisfaction, explained autonomous motivation and amotivation, and that it indirectly benefited intention to be physically active. The PTVPE is the first valid and reliable instrument to measure students' perceptions of task variety in PE lessons using an SDT approach. Taken together, these findings contribute to further understanding the role of perceived task variety on students' motivational outcomes in PE and physical activity intention.

From Physical Activity Intention to Behavior: The Moderation Role of Mental Toughness Among College Students and Wage Earners.

This study explored the correlation between mental toughness (MT) and physical activity (PA), and the moderation role between PA intention and subsequent behavior among college students and wage earners. Five hundred ninety-one college students (251 male, 340 female) aged from 19 to 24 and 285 (157 male, 127 female) wage earners aged from 27 to 58 recruited from seven colleges and five cities in China. A Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) questionnaire, MT Inventory, and the International PA Questionnaire was completed online. Results showed that attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control explained 46.5 and 38.3% variance in PA intention among college students and wage earners separately. Intention predicted PA behavior significantly among college students and wage earners. Structural equation modeling indicated that the TPB model and the moderation model have an adequate to good fit except the TPB model among wage earners. MT was positively correlated with PA among college students and wage earners and had a significant moderation role in intention-behavior gap among college students and partially affected the transfer of PA intention to behavior among college students. Individuals with high MT had high levels of PA regardless of intention, while PA of those with low MT was low and unstable. Future research should further explore the correlation between intention and PA and the moderation role of MT in different populations using a longitudinal study in order to better understand the correlation between intention and PA, and the transition from intention to PA and better guidance PA intervention to promote PA.

Theory of Planned Behavior in Predicting Physical Activity among Portuguese Older Adults with Osteoarthritis

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study is to investigate the explanatory value of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) to predict the intentions of physical activity in older adults with lower-extremity osteoarthritis. This is a cross-sectional study with a sample of 41 older adults (50+ years) with lower-extremity osteoarthritis. The instruments used were as follows: International Physical Activity Questionnaire, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score and TPB exercise scale. The Western Ontario and McMaster Osteoarthritis Index scores were calculated and used in the statistical analysis. Results revealed that attitudes and perceived behavioral control were statistically significant predictors of physical activity intentions. Attitudes and perceived behavioral control accounted for 46% of the variance in physical activity intentions. Subjective norms did not evidence a significant effect. Knowledge of the predictors of physical activity intentions can guide researchers and clinicians in the development of interventions that are tailored to the personal characteristics and needs of older adults with chronic diseases.

Predicting school students' physical activity intentions in leisure-time and school recess contexts: Testing an integrated model based on self-determination theory and theory of planned behavior.

BackgroundIdentifying psychological correlates of children’s physical activity intentions may signpost potentially modifiable targets for interventions aimed at promoting physical activity participation. School recess and leisure-time outside of school are appropriate contexts in which such interventions may be delivered. However, few studies have identified correlates of physical activity intentions in these environments. Examining correlates in these contexts may provide formative evidence on which to base interventions to promote physical activity.PurposeThe current study adopted an integrated theoretical model to test relations between motivational constructs from self-determination theory, social cognition constructs from the theory of planned behavior, and physical activity intentions in leisure-time and school recess contexts.MethodsFinnish school children (N = 845, M age = 13.93, SD = 0.99) from three lower-secondary schools completed self-report measures of perceived autonomy support by peers, autonomous and controlled motivation, attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and physical activity intentions for both contexts.ResultsWell-fitting structural equation models controlling for past behavior indicated that autonomous motivation in the school recess context and attitude in both contexts were the most pervasive predictors of physical activity intentions, and mediated the relationship between perceived autonomy support and intentions. Multi-group analyses supported invariance of the models in both contexts across gender, grades, and school, with few variations.ConclusionsThe current study supports relations between motivational and social cognition correlates of children’s physical activity intentions in school recess and leisure-time contexts. Future research should extend these findings to the prediction of follow-up participation in physical activity.

Multifaceted interventions are required to improve physical activity behaviour in hospital care: a meta-ethnographic synthesis of qualitative research.

What are the views of patients, close relatives and healthcare professionals on physical activity behaviour in hospital care? A meta-ethnographic synthesis of qualitative studies was conducted with a lines-of-argument analysis. The methodological quality of included studies was evaluated using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist. The lines of argument were synthesised and mapped in an existing theoretical model. The confidence of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation Confidence in Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative Research (GRADE-CERQual) approach. Eleven studies were included and provided data from 290 participants (145 patients, 0 close relatives and 145 healthcare professionals). We have synthesised six lines of argument that explained the (intention of) physical activity behaviour of patients during their hospital stay: patients and healthcare professionals perceive benefits and risks of physical activity for patients' health (high confidence); physical activity gives a sense of freedom, confidence in recovery and mental wellbeing (high confidence); all healthcare professionals should offer timely and tailored physical activity promotion (high confidence); patient motivation to be physically active may be contingent upon encouragement (moderate confidence); family members can influence physical activity behaviour favourably or unfavourably (low confidence); and hospital culture has a negative influence on physical activity behaviour of patients (high confidence). Physical activity behaviour of patients during their hospital stay is a complex phenomenon with multiple interactions at the level of patients, healthcare professionals and hospital culture. Considering the results of this synthesis, multifaceted implementation strategies are needed to improve physical activity intention and behaviour of patients during their hospital stay.

Development and validation of an instrument to measure beliefs in physical activity among (pre)frail older adults: An integration of the Health Belief Model and the Theory of Planned Behavior

ObjectiveTo develop and evaluate the psychometric properties of an instrument assessing beliefs in physical activity based on the integration of the Health Belief Model (HBM) and the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) among (pre)frail older adults. MethodsA literature review and semi-structured interviews were conducted to generate the initial item pool of the instrument. A rural sample of 611 (pre)frail older adults was enrolled to examine the validity and reliability of the instrument. ResultsThe exploratory factor analysis extracted eight factors for this instrument, explaining 71.3% of the variance in beliefs in physical activity. The confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the eight-factor structure. Linear regression models found that the integrated HBM-TPB constructs explained 65.9% of the variance in physical activity intention and 13.6% in physical activity. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficients for the factors ranged from 0.80 to 0.98, and ICCs ranged from 0.71 to 0.85. ConclusionThis instrument has satisfactory construct validity, predictive validity, internal consistency reliability and test-retest reliability, and it can be used in (pre)frail older adults to measure beliefs in physical activity. Practice implicationsThis instrument may help health care providers understand beliefs in physical activity and facilitate targeted interventions among (pre)frail older adults.

Understanding students’ novelty satisfaction in physical education: Associations with need-supportive teaching style and physical activity intention

Novelty satisfaction has recently been associated with positive outcomes in physical education (PE) lessons. Grounded in self-determination theory, this study aimed to examine the relationships between need-supportive teaching behaviours in PE and students’ satisfaction of basic psychological needs (BPNs), novelty satisfaction, and intention to be physically active. From a final sample of 1118 students (49.1% boys; 50.9% girls; mean age = 14.11 ± 1.50 years), the adolescents’ perception of need-support from PE teachers, BPN satisfaction, novelty satisfaction, and intention to be physically active were measured through different validated questionnaires. Results from structural equation modelling showed that students’ perceptions of autonomy, competence, and relatedness support from PE teachers positively predicted BPN and novelty satisfaction. Furthermore, BPN and novelty satisfaction positively predicted intention to be physically active. Our results seem to support the argument that need-supportive environments could be directly associated with novelty satisfaction. Likewise, novelty satisfaction seems to have an additional role in explaining intention to be physically active. These findings suggest the importance of designing need-supportive strategies in PE lessons to satisfy not only BPNs but also novelty, which can help to develop an active lifestyle among adolescents. Nevertheless, future research should also develop specific strategies aimed at supporting students’ novelty in PE lessons.

Predicting Family and Child Physical Activity across Six-Months of a Family-Based Intervention: An Application of Theory of Planned Behaviour, Planning and Habit

ABSTRACT Family-based physical activity (PA) interventions have proven effective in modifying PA; yet, the underlying mechanisms are currently unclear. In this study, we follow-up upon prior trial data that showed changes to child moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) as a result of a family education+planning intervention compared to an education-only condition. We examined parents’ perceived family PA frequency, family PA social cognitions, and family PA habit over 26 weeks between the two conditions. One hundred and two parents (of children aged 6 to 12 yrs), were recruited through advertisements and randomized to either the planning + education condition (n = 52) or an education-only condition (n = 50). Self-reported family PA, and measures of theory of planned behaviour, planning intention, and habit were completed by the contact parent at baseline, six-week, 13-week, and 26-week time-periods. The education+planning intervention increased planning intention (p <.01) and family PA (p =.06) compared to the© education-only group. The effect of condition on the putative mediators did not explain these changes (all 95% CIs crossed 0), and family PA was associated with child MVPA only at 13 weeks (p <.01). Intervention 20 assignment had a small indirect effect on family PA (favouring©the education+planning group) via Habit. Perceived behavioural©control and habit were consistent predictors of family PA (p <.05), but not PA intention or planning intention (p >.05). The planning+education intervention showed improved family PA and planning intention, yet null mediation results suggest that other variables from the family system (e.g., child motivation, other parent’s motivation and plans) are likely needed to fully understand the intervention effects. The promotion of perceived behavioural control and habit to assist in family PA is recommended for future research in this population.