The Transtheoretical Model Constructs Research Articles

Promoting Sustainable Transportation: A Transtheoretical Examination of Active Transport Modes

The use and promotion of active transportation has been scientifically proven to play a fundamental role in influencing global sustainable development goals. Despite increased recognition, there is a notable gap in understanding how to effectively transition the general population from convenience-oriented transport to embracing active modes. The application of the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) in understanding the utilization of active transport modes is currently constrained. The first aim is to include measuring the readiness to change in the use of active transport modes to increase physical activity (PA) using a continuous measure (i.e., University of Rhode Island Change Assessment, URICA). A second aim is to determine whether the decisional balance (perception of pros and cons) and self-efficacy increase as respondents progress through the stages of change as well as with the increase in self-reported active transport use. In total, 260 university students and staff filled out an online survey containing self-reported use of active transport modes and TTM constructs. The results suggest that URICA successfully identifies five stages of change. The decision balance and self-efficacy of the behaviour increase as individuals progress through the stages. The same is also true for the use of active transport modes.

Development of transtheoretical model measures for assessing decisional balance and temptation to vape

Introduction: Vaping is common among young adults in the United States. The Transtheoretical Model (TTM) has demonstrated success in smoking cessation efforts; however, it has not been comprehensively applied to vaping cessation, and core TTM vaping measures have not been developed. Method: A cross-sectional survey including measures of stage of change (SOC), temptation to vape, and decisional balance (DCBL) was disseminated (n = 459). Items were adapted from TTM smoking scales. The sample was split for exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (EFA/CFA). Analyses of variance assessed relationships between constructs and SOC. Results: EFA/CFA resulted in one Temptation scale (CFI = .95; α = .87) and two DCBL scales (CFI = .91; Pros α = .72; Cons α = .72). Temptation to vape and Pros of vaping decreased significantly across SOC, while Cons increased significantly. Conclusions: TTM vaping measures for two key TTM constructs were developed utilizing a college sample. Results suggest that the developed measures map well onto the TTM framework.

Development and Validation of a Measure of Self-Efficacy for Advance Care Planning.

Medical care received at end-of-life is often not aligned with individuals' values and care preferences. Much can get in the way of an individual communicating and documenting their preferences to care providers and close others, even if it is a goal to do so. The objective of this work was to develop a measure of Advance Care Planning Self-Efficacy (ACP SE) focused on three important behaviors: completing a living will, documenting a healthcare agent, and discussing quality versus quantity of life issues. Measure development was framed by the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) of behavior change. Following the completion of focus groups and formative qualitative work, an independent sample (N = 310, adults aged 50+) was randomly split into two halves for exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (EFA/CFA). Multivariate analyses examined relationships between ACP SE and other TTM constructs. Results of the CFA demonstrated excellent internal consistency (α = .95) and good model fit (CFI = .89, RMSEA = .13). Self-efficacy was framed by the TTM as situation-specific confidence. Through the measure development process, it was found that confidence to do ACP was impacted by various situational and attitudinal variables. ACP Self-Efficacy was found to differ significantly by Stage of Change. This study produced a reliable and valid measure of situation-specific confidence for ACP grounded within the TTM that could enhance future interventions aimed at increasing participation in ACP.

Measuring Motivation for COVID-19 Vaccination: An Application of the Transtheoretical Model.

In the United States (US), individuals vary widely in their readiness to get vaccinated for COVID-19. The present study developed measures based on the transtheoretical model (TTM) to better understand readiness, decisional balance (DCBL; pros and cons), self-efficacy (SE), as well as other motivators for change such as myths and barriers for COVID-19 vaccination. Cross-sectional measurement development. Online survey. 528 US adults ages 18-75. Demographics, stage of change (SOC), DCBL, SE, myths, and barriers. The sample was randomly split into halves for exploratory factor analysis using principal components analysis (EFA/PCA), followed by confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) to test measurement models. Correlation matrices were assessed and multivariate analyses examined relationships between constructs and sub-constructs. For DCBL, EFA/PCA revealed three correlated factors (one pros, two cons) (n1 = 8, α = .97; n2 = 5, α = .93; n3 = 4, α = .84). For SE, two correlated factors were revealed (n1 = 12, α = .96; n2 = 3, α = .89). Single-factor solutions for Myths (n = 13, α = .94) and Barriers (n = 6, α = .82) were revealed. CFA confirmed models from EFAs/PCAs. Follow-up analyses of variance aligned with past theoretical predictions of the relationships between SOC, pros, cons, and SE, and the predicted relationships with myths and barriers. This study produced reliable and valid measures of TTM constructs, myths, and barriers to understand motivation to receive COVID-19 vaccination that can be used in future research.

Breast Cancer Knowledge and Mammography Use Among Asian American Women Aged 40 and Older: Using the Transtheoretical Model Approach.

Mammography screening rates remain low among Asian American women (AAW). The aims of our study were to: (a) assess breast cancer knowledge and mammography screening behaviors, and (b) identify the factors related to the transtheoretical model (TTM) stages of change in relation to mammography utilization among AAW aged 40 and older. Using a cross-sectional design, a convenience sample of 714 AAW completed a structured questionnaire in 2021. Participants demonstrated a moderate level of knowledge regarding breast cancer and mammography. Only 34.2% of the participants reported obtaining regular mammograms. The ordinal logistic regression indicated that age, birthplace, health perception, breast biopsy history, breast cancer knowledge, self-efficacy, and perceived barriers were correlated with TTM stages of change. Our results highlight the need for implementing effective interventions aimed at increasing knowledge and screening rates for breast cancer among AAW. Additional TTM studies with AAW are needed to determine the relationships among TTM constructs and develop theory-based programs to improve adherence to screening guidelines. Future research using a mixed-method design may provide opportunities to explore complex phenomena associated with breast cancer screening behaviors. Finally, further assessments of the Breast Cancer Knowledge Scale's psychometric properties are necessary to improve this instrument.

Promoting dairy consumption behavior in the school setting: an experiment based on the transtheoretical model

BackgroundNutrition education is a key component of health promotion programs which leads to the improvement of students’ nutritional behaviors. The transtheoretical model (TTM) is one of the models extensively used in changing people’s behaviors. This study aimed to change the dairy consumption behavior based on the TTM in female students.MethodsA controlled trial was conducted with 159 female students (intervention group: 56; control group: 103) in the 10-11th grades from two public schools in Soumesara city located in the west of Gilan Province, Iran. Demographic characteristics, knowledge, TTM constructs and stage of change of dairy consumption were collected using a valid and reliable researcher-made questionnaire. Data were gathered before and one month after the educational intervention. Chi-square test, t-test and ANCOVA were used to analyze the data and a p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsFifty-two students from the intervention and 93 from the control group completed the study. Only 15% of the students were in the action or maintenance stages of dairy consumption. After the intervention, mean scores of behavioral processes of change, cognitive processes of change, decisional balance, and self-efficacy improved in the intervention group (P < 0.05 for all). Also, 37% and 16% of the participants in the intervention and control groups, respectively, were in the action or maintenance phase (P < 0.001).ConclusionsThis study showed that implementing an intervention based on the TTM would positively affect students’ dairy consumption behaviors. Also, it is suggested that the TTM be assessed in terms of other daily nutritional needs in students to promote their nutritional behaviors.Trial RegistrationThe study was registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT) (available online at https://en.irct.ir/trial/50003) on April 11, 2020 with the number IRCT20200718048132N1 and was approved by research ethics committee of Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Iran.

Predictive Factors of Stages of Change in Hookah Smoking Cessation Among Iranian Adults Based on the Transtheoretical Model.

Hookah, as a traditional method of smoking, is widely used in Iran, especially in Bushehr province. It is essential to identify the most important determinants of modifying hookah smoking behavior. This study aimed to investigate the predictors of the stages of change in quitting hookah smoking in 15-60-year-old individuals in Bushehr province, southern Iran, based on the transtheoretical model (TTM). This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 1173 Hookah smokers in Bushehr province. The samples were selected by two-stage random sampling from 10 cities. Data were collected using a valid and reliable questionnaire consisting of 5 sections (demographic characteristics, stages of change, processes of change, decisional balance, and self-efficacy). Data were analyzed by R version.3.3.1 using analysis of variance and ordinal logistic regression at a significant level of 0.05. The data revealed 82% of the participants were in the preparatory phase (55.3% in pre-contemplation and 26.7% in contemplation stages). Marital status, family members smoking hookah, cigarette smoking, level of education, number of family members, number of quitting attempts, self-efficacy, self-reevaluation, counter-conditioning, reinforcement management, and stimulus control were predictors of quitting hookah smoking. Given that most study participants were in the inactive stages of quitting hookah smoking, it seems necessary to design and implement behavioral interventions based on the predictive TTM constructs in this population.

Breakfast Eating in Elementary School Students in Jiroft, Iran: An Application of Transtheoretical Model

Background: Breakfast is a very important meal. It can either make or break your day, and it can be a daunting task. Objectives: We used the transtheoretical model (TTM) to assess the trend of breakfast eating among elementary school students in Jiroft city, Iran. Methods: In this descriptive‑analytic research, 290 elementary school students in Jiroft city were selected using stratified sampling. Data were collected using a questionnaire to assess breakfast eating trends according to TTM. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 16. Results: Approximately 9.3% of the participants were in the precontemplation stage, 21.7% in the contemplation stage, 7.2% in the action stage, 53.4% in the preparation stage, and 8.3% in the maintenance stage. There was a significant relationship between TTM constructs and stages of change in breakfast consumption 2 or more times a week. Moving from the precontemplation stage to the maintenance stage was associated with an increase in decisional balance, processes of change, and self‑efficacy (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: It is suggested to emphasize the importance of perceived benefits and greater self-efficacy in the design of educational interventions based on this model, increase the use of change processes, and decrease the perceived barriers as much as possible to establish correct behaviors.

Application of the Transtheoretical Model to Identify Physical Activity-Related Psychological Variables in Disabled Adults

OBJECTIVES The current study aimed at identifying the theoretical relation of the transtheoretical model (TTM) to explain physical activity in Korean adults with physical disabilities.METHODS A total of 194 participants ( Age Mean = 48.65 years) were voluntarily recruited for this study. Dissemination sources for participant recruitment included: (a) a press release issued through the authors’ university; (b) recruitment flyers posted on various websites (e.g., Independent Living Centers, Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers, Veteran’s Administration Hospitals); and (c) announcements made through and in conjunction with the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Health and Wellness consortium members. Through these procedures, 194 adults (80.83%) completed the survey form; there were 113 males (58.3%) and 81 females (41.7%). The remaining 46 (19.17%) were excluded because they did not complete the survey form or return.RESULTS Results indicated that the TTM constructs assessed were significantly (P &lt; 0.001) associated with the stages of change for physical activity. The largest portion of variance was derived from the behavioral processes of change (ƞ2 = .40), followed by self-efficacy (ƞ2 = .30), the pros for exercise (ƞ2 = .19), the cognitive processes of change and the cons for exercise (ƞ2 = .16, respectively). Moreover, four discriminant functions (i.e., composite scores of the predictors) were produced in the first DDF analysis. These accounted for 71.0% (Wilks’ Λ = .31, χ2 [56] = 368.04, P &lt; .001), 20.9% (Wilks’ Λ = .66, χ2 [39] = 129.91, P &lt; 0.001), 6.3% (Wilks’ Λ = .88, χ2 [24] = 39.39, P &lt; 0.05), and 1.8% (Wilks’ Λ = .97, χ2 [11] = 9.04, P = .62), respectively, of the between-group (stage of change) variability.CONCLUSIONS The results provide further cross-sectional support for the internal validity of the transtheoretical model, as the processes of change, self-efficacy, and decisional balance were important variables of a stage of change for physical activity, Additionally, the study is in general agreement with existing evidence among nondisabled populations and, therefore, it supports the external validation of TTM to a unique and understudied population segment.

Facilitating behavior change: Introducing the Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change as a conservation psychology framework and tool for practitioners.

The primary opportunities for improved conservation and sustainability outcomes are through changing human behavior. Zoos, aquariums, and other public-facing biodiversity conservation institutions offer an important space for environmental learning and facilitating proenvironmental behavior change. We have focused, in this review, on examining common behavior change models as well as the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) of Behavior Change​​​​​, a widely regarded model within the health fields and, recently, in the fields of environmental and leadership studies, with new research applying the TTM specifically in a zoo setting. We have discussed critiques of the TTM and rebuttals to those critiques. We have presented examples of TTM applications in a zoo setting. Our objective has been to explore the TTM as a possible "best fit" framework and tool for zoo and aquarium practitioners in facilitating proenvironmental behavior. Key findings include that(a) the TTM differs significantly from other proenvironmental behavior theoretical models, including those that are prevalent in the conservation psychology literature and applied by zoos and aquariums, in terms of the TTM stages of change and processes of change constructs; (b) the TTM appears to overlap significantly with the 10 interventions or treatments identified by researchers as the most effective approaches to facilitating proenvironmental behavior; and (c) there is nascent and promising application of TTM constructs in zoo and aquarium programming. We remain impressed by the potential of the TTM to address a critical question within the conservation psychology research field concerning proenvironmental behavior: what specific tools to employ and when.

Associations Between Smartphone Use for Physical Activity by South Korean College Students and Behavioral Change Constructs of the Transtheoretical Model.

We examined associations between smartphone uses to assist physical activity (PA) and change constructs of the transtheoretical model (TTM) among Korean college students. Our participants were 242 college students who completed a cross-sectional survey of their smartphone use, PA, and TTM constructs. We applied Poisson regression models to test the associations between stages of change and smartphone PA use frequencies in four categories over the previous week: 1= watching PA instruction videos; 2 = tracking PA; 3 = searching and booking sites for PA; and 4 = finding and making appointments with PA partners. The associations between these smartphone uses and participants' self-efficacy, decisional balance, processes of change, and PA were tested via ordinary least squares regression models. Results were that participants in the precontemplation and maintenance stages were the least and most frequent users of the smartphones in all four categories, respectively. Category one usage was positively associated with participants' scores on pros (β = .22, p = .004), cognitive processes of change (β = .30, p < .001), and behavioral processes of change (β = .28, p < .001). Category two usage was positively associated with PA (β = .06, p = .048). While category three usage was not significantly associated with any TTM constructs except for stages of change, category four usage was positively associated with self-efficacy (β = .28, p < .001), pros (β = .30, p < .001), cognitive processes of change (β = .31, p < .001), behavioral processes of change (β = .06, p <. 001), and PA (β = .45, p < .001). These findings suggest that (a) active college students are likely to take advantage of smartphone to assist their PA, and (b) smartphones can help motivate college students toward regular PA.

Structural relationship in transtheoretical model of behavioural change constructs among students at a Malaysian university campus

The aim of this study is to examine the structural relationship in the transtheoretical model (TTM) of behavioural change constructs among undergraduate students. A cross-sectional study was carried out by randomly selecting students participating in campus co-curricular activities. Questionnaires, comprising queries on the stages of change (SOC) — an 18-item self-efficacy (SE) scale, a 10-item decisional balance (DB) scale, and 30-item processes of change (PoC) scale — were distributed to the students. Their answers were analysed using Mplus 8 software for structural equation modelling. There were 562 participants comprising 118 males (21.0 %) and 444 females (79.0 %) with average age of 19.81±1.22 SD. Most of them were involved in sports (46.3 %) and non-sports (46.6 %) programmes, and exercised at least three times per week for approximately 43 minutes per session. Minority of the undergraduate students (7.1%) are involved in uniform group. The initial hypothesized structural equation modelling showed that the data fitted well. The fit indices were within recommended values (CFI= 0.967; TLI= 0.939; SRMR= 0.034; RMSEA (CI: 90%) = 0.049 (0.028, 0.070); RMSEA p= 0.495). There were three hypothesized path relationships in this model. From the final structural model, the SOC had significant direct effects on SE (p = 0.001), DB (p < 0.001) and PoC (p < 0.001). In conclusion, the study showed a positive relationship between TTM constructs. It could act as an excellent baseline model for physical activity intervention or motivational intervention.

Application of the transtheoretical model to understand physical activity in college students

The present study investigated the physical activity level of college students, the differences in the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) constructs by the stage of physical activity, and the theorized association of the TTM constructs with the stage of physical activity in college students. A total of 598 Korean college students (mean age = 21.52 years, SD = 2.59) from Seoul National University of Science and Technology, South Korea were voluntarily participated in the study. The standardized measures in Korean were applied to assess the study participants’ physical activity and the TTM constructs. Results indicated that there are significant differences in the physical activity distributions by gender. Moreover, the current findings revealed that all of the TTM constructs and physical activity differentiated college students across the stages of physical activity and that overall classification accuracy across the stages of physical activity was 53.0%. The study increases awareness but also influences perceptions regarding theoretically based and practically important physical activity strategies for public health professionals and health care providers.

How Ready Are Young Adults to Participate in Community Service? An Application of the Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change.

Engaging in community service, or unpaid work intended to help people in a community, is generally associated with greater overall well-being. However, the process of beginning and maintaining community service engagement has been sparsely examined. The current study applied the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) of behavior change to understanding community service readiness among young adults. Cross-sectional design using an online survey. Participants were undergraduate students recruited at a mid-sized Northeastern US university in Spring 2018. Participants (N = 314) had a mean age of 20.36 years (SD = 3.69), were primarily White (78%), female (72%), and from moderately high socioeconomic backgrounds (as measured by parental level of education). Socio-demographics including age, gender, race-ethnicity, and parental level of education; readiness, pros, cons, and self-efficacy for community service; civic engagement behavior; well-being. Participants were classified into very low (n = 62), low (n = 59), moderate (n = 92), high (n = 46), and very high (n = 55) readiness for community service groupings. A MANOVA was conducted to assess relationships between groupings and community service TTM constructs, civic engagement, and well-being. There were significant differences between readiness groupings on all main outcome variables, F(20, 1012) = 10.34, p < .001; Wilks' Λ = 0.54, η2 = .14. Post-hoc Games-Howell tests showed that those exhibiting higher levels of readiness reported fewer cons, greater pros, higher self-efficacy, more overall civic engagement, and greater well-being compared to lower readiness individuals. Consistent with previous TTM applications, self-efficacy and the importance of pros increased across readiness groupings while the importance of cons decreased. Study findings may be used to inform readiness-tailored interventional work for increasing community service. This area of study would benefit from longitudinal research examining community service readiness beyond the college environment.

Web-based intervention on the promotion of physical activity among Iranian youth using the transtheoretical model.

BACKGROUND:Sedentary habits may increase the noncommunicable disease risk factors, and few teens get enough physical activity. Therefore, the current study aimed to examine the effects of a web-based intervention on the promotion of physical activity among adolescents using the transtheoretical model (TTM).METHODS AND MATERIALS:A quasi-experimental study was conducted on 278 high school students who were randomly allocated into one of the three groups: two web-based intervention groups. The intervention groups 1 and 2 received education through web (www.salamat.family), but the second group received educational strategies based on TTM. Five questionnaires were applied two times before the intervention and 6 months after the intervention. And, in the control group, the data were collected using stage of exercise behavior change questionnaire and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Student's t-test and two-way analysis of variance, and McNemar's test were applied to compare before and after the intervention. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.RESULTS:The mean differences for TTM constructs related to exercise behaviors (processes of change, self-efficacy, and decisional balance) in intervention groups 1 and 2 were very higher than the control group. Participants in intervention groups 1 and 2 who had low or moderate physical activity before the intervention were placed in high physical activity after it.CONCLUSION:According to the obtained results, education on PA based on website effective, but if we use education based on TTM, it will be more useful on the behavior.

Classification and analysis of guild merchants using smokeless tobacco in Chabahar, Iran, based on the transtheoretical model

Introduction: The use of all types of smokeless tobacco poses a serious risk to the health of community members. The present study was conducted to classify the guild merchants using smokeless tobacco in Chabahar, Iran, based on the Trans-Theoretical Model (TTM) and then analyze the relationships between the examined variables based on the constructs of this model.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 320 merchants working in different guilds in Chabahar in 2018, who were selected through simple random sampling. The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire with a demographic and background information section, behavioral items and items on the constructs of the transtheoretical model, and was used after its validity and reliability were confirmed. Data were analyzed in SPSS software using statistical tests such as mean and SD, the Chi-square test, the ANOVA and Tukey’s test.&#x0D; Findings: Most of the participants in the study were in the age group of 20-30 years (69%). Hairdressers and textile stores (19%) were the largest and hotel and restaurant businesses (2%) the smallest trade guilds in this study. Most people in the study consumed Gutkha (24%). A total of 85% of the subjects were in the precontemplation stage, 12.5% in the contemplation stage and 2.5% in the preparation stage, and the stages of change had a significant difference with constructs including counter-conditioning, self-liberation, decisional balance and temptation to use tobacco (P&lt;0.05).&#x0D; Conclusion: Since most merchants were in the precontemplation stage, and given their age and the proven harms of smokeless tobacco, interventions to encourage these people to quit tobacco consumption using the TTM constructs are necessary.&#x0D; Update Dent. Coll. j: 2019; 9 (1): 16-22

Demographics, self-efficacy, benefits/barriers, stages of adopting pap testing among Korean American women

Korean American women (KAW) experience the third highest incidence rate of cervical cancer among nine major Asian Americans. This study examined cervical cancer screening among KAW using constructs from the transtheoretical model (TTM). Using a cross-sectional survey design, 102 KAW aged 21–65 years of age were recruited through convenience sampling. Twenty-seven per cent of participants reported of never receiving a Pap smear. Women who were older and married were more likely to report being in the action/maintenance stages; women who perceived themselves to be in poor health were less likely to be in the action/maintenance stages. Higher self-efficacy and lower perception of barriers were significantly associated with more advanced TTM stages. The perceived benefits were not statistically different across TTM stages of change. A special attention should be given to young and unmarried KAW to increase screening participation.Impact statementWhat is already known on this subject? The utilisation of Pap test among Korean American women (KAW) was low. Using the transtheoretical model (TTM) approach has the potential to increase a screening adherence.What do the results of this study add? This is the first study to examine the association between TTM constructs related to Pap testing among KAW. Younger and unmarried women reported the lowest levels of screening attitudes or behaviours; and tailored efforts may be beneficial in increasing the screening among these women.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Increasing the self-efficacy and decreasing the barriers to obtaining Pap screening are critical to move Korean women to the advanced TTM stages. Further investigation is needed with KAW to fully understand the relationships between TTM constructs.

Application of the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) to exercise behaviour among Macedonian college students

Background: This study examined the applicability of trans-theoretical model (TTM) to understand exercise behaviour among students in University St. Cyril and Methodius in Skopje. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted. The dependent variables analysed were exercise self-efficacy expectation, decisional balance (pros and cons), social support for physical activity and exercise enjoyment. The independent variable was stage of exercise behaviour change. 1066 students representing various disciplines on campus completed a valid and reliable questionnaire during regularly scheduled classes. More than 67 percent of sample were sedentary (pre contemplation, contemplation, or preparation) whereas 17,6% were in the action stage (regularly active 6 months). Results: All of the TTM constructs differed significantly across exercise stages. Students who are in the action and maintenance stage show greater self-efficacy, social support from parents and peers, and they receive greater benefit from physical activity, compared to students who are in the pre-thinking and thinking stage. In addition, students who are in the action and maintenance stage, enjoy physical activity more than students who are in the pre-thinking stage. Students who are in the stage of preparedness show greater self-efficacy than students who are in the pre-thinking and thinking stage and they receive greater social support from parents and peers, compared to students who are in the pre-thinking stage. Conclusion: Results supported the use of the entire TTM in examining exercise behaviour among college students.

Application of Transtheoretical Model on Behavioral Changes, and Amount of Physical Activity Among University's Students.

This study’s purpose was to examine the structural relationship of the transtheoretical model (TTM) and the amount of physical activity (PA) among undergraduate students in health and medicine at Universiti Sains Malaysia. A cross-sectional study was carried out among students who took part in the co-curricular program. Co-curricular program includes activities that take place outside of the regular lectures or tutorials in the University. Students recruited through purposive sampling were informed that their participation was entirely voluntarily. Those interested completed the self-administered questionnaire, which consisted of the decisional balance, processes of change, self-efficacy, stages of change scales, and Godin leisure-time exercise questionnaire. Data were analyzed using Mplus version 8 for descriptive statistics and structural equation modeling analysis for inferential statistics. A total of 562 students participated in the study. The majority of the students was female (79.0%) and Malay (73.3%) and average of exercise sessions per week was 2.62, with a mean of 43.37 min per exercise session. The final structural model fit the data well based on several fit indices (SRMR = 0.046, RMSEA (CI: 90%) = 0.061 (0.045, 0.078), RMSEA p = 0.130). The model showed that stages of change significantly affected self-efficacy (p < 0.001), pros (benefits of exercise; p < 0.001), cons (barriers to exercise; p = 0.022), and processes of change (p < 0.001). The model also showed significant inter-relationships among the TTM constructs and supported seven hypotheses. Among all the variables examined, only processes of change significantly affected PA (p < 0.001). However, stages of change (p < 0.001) and pros (p =< 0.001) had significant indirect effects on PA via processes of change. The findings support that individuals’ stages of change affect their self-efficacy level, or the ability to make positive and negative decisions and perform behavior accordingly. The study confirms that making correct decisions and taking action accordingly can increase PA levels.

Prospective Results from the PA (Personality and Activity) Project: Evaluating the Influence of the Transtheoretical Model on Physical Activity while Considering Personality Trait Characteristics

The Transtheoretical model (TTM) consists of a framework of five discrete stages adopted to study behavior change. Previous research demonstrates utility of the TTM in influencing physical activity. Personality trait characteristics have also been shown to influence physical activity. To date, limited research has evaluated whether the TTM influences physical activity across various personality traits. This study’s purpose was to examine the prospective association of each of the TTM constructs on physical activity, with considerations by personality type, using the follow-up data from the PA (Personality and Activity) Project. Personality, physical activity, TTM constructs, and covariates were assessed via validated questionnaires. 126 participants with data at baseline and the 5-month follow-up constituted our analytic sample. The only TTM construct associated with follow-up moderate-to-vigorous (MVPA) was behavioral processes of change (β = 10.0; 95% CI: -0.34, 20.37; P=0.05). There were no significant interaction effects for any of the TTM constructs and personality types on follow-up MVPA. In conclusion, personality did not moderate the relationship between the TTM and future MVPA behavior. If confirmed by future research, these findings suggest that TTM-based physical activity interventions may not need to develop personality-matched TTM strategies.