Antecedents of self identity and consequences for action control: An application of the theory of planned behaviour in the exercise domain

ObjectivesTo study whether exercise action control profiles should be usefully extended to include exercise identity. Further, this study investigated theory of planned behaviour antecedents of exercise identity.DesignProspective data from 413 undergraduate students (M age = 21.4; 73.5% females).MethodValidated questionnaires were used at baseline and follow-up two weeks later to assess exercise behaviour, intention, self-identity, and theory of planned behaviour concepts. Research questions were analysed using chi-square analysis, discriminant function analysis and structural equation modelling. Results were interpreted using p-values and effect sizes.ResultsThere was a higher proportion of exercise intenders in the strong exercise identity group than in the weak exercise identity group (81.9% vs. 14.5%) and a higher proportion of successful intenders in the high exercise identity group than in the low exercise identity group (45.5% vs. 18.2%). Affective attitude and perceived behavioural control (PBC) were the most important predictors of exercise action control. Regarding the antecedents of identity, results showed significant and small-sized associations for baseline affective attitude and perceived behavioural control and large-sized association for baseline self-identity.ConclusionExercise identity should be usefully employed to understand exercise motivation and action control. Affective attitude and perceived behavioural control facilitate action control and exercise identity development and are suggested to be taken into account when developing exercise interventions.     

Main and interactive effects of controllability and generalisability attributions upon self-efficacy

ObjectivesThis study examined main effects of controllability and interactive effects of controllability and generalisability attributions upon self-efficacy.DesignA cross-sectional study design was employed with pre-competition self-efficacy assessed at least one week prior to attributions and subsequent self-efficacy.MethodParticipants (N=360; mean age 21.64, SD=6.96 years) completed measures of pre-competition self-efficacy (1 h prior to competition 1), attributions (1 h after competition 1) and subsequent self-efficacy (at least one week following competition 1 and 1 h prior to competition 2). All measures were completed in reference to sport competitions.ResultsDemographic variables and pre-competition self-efficacy were entered as control variables in moderated hierarchical regression analyses. Results demonstrated that individuals who perceived performance as more successful, had higher subsequent self-efficacy when they generalised (ΔR²=.34, p<.01) causes of performance across time (stability: b=.44, p<.01), and/or across situations (globality: b=.47, p<.01), and/or perceived causes to be unique to themselves (universality: b=−.45, p<.01). Individuals who perceived performance as less successful, had higher subsequent self-efficacy when they viewed causes of performance as controllable (ΔR²=.08, b=.23, p<.01); an interaction (ΔR²=.06, p<.05) for controllability and globality (b=.20, p<.01) demonstrated that if causes were perceived to be global, higher levels of controllability were associated with higher levels of subsequent self-efficacy.ConclusionThis study provides evidence, following more successful performances, that attributions to generalisability (stability, globality and universality) affect self-efficacy; following less successful performances, globality (a generalisability dimension) moderates the effect of controllability upon self-efficacy.     

Everyday tasks impair spatiotemporal variables of gait in older adults with Parkinson's disease

IntroductionAlthough it is known that individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD) have difficulties performing dual-task activities, most of the studies have verified the effect of dual tasks on gait using tasks that are uncommon to perform while walking. However, the realization of tasks involving gait that really represents the daily activities carried out by the participants, allow us to detect real fall risk situations of individuals with PD during their gait.ObjectiveOur aim was to verify the influence of daily-life dual-tasks on gait spatiotemporal variables of the older adults with PD.Methods20 older adults without PD and 20 older adults with PD participated in the study. Gait kinematic was analyzed under three different conditions: walking without dual task, walking carrying bags with weight, and walking talking on the cell phone.ResultsOlder adults with PD presented lower speed (p = .001), cadence (p = .039), and shorter step length (p = .028) than older adults without PD during walking without dual tasks. When walking while carrying bags with weight, older adults with PD had a lower speed (p < .001), cadence (p = .015), shorter step length (p = .008), and greater double support time (p = .021) compared with older adults without PD. During walking while talking on the cell phone, older adults with PD walked with lower speed (p < .001), cadence (p = .013), shorter step length (p = .001) and swing time (p = .013), and increased double support time (p = .008) and support time (p = .014) in relation to older adults without PD.ConclusionDaily-life dual tasks impair the spatiotemporal variables of gait in the older adults with PD, which was most evident during walking talking on the cell phone.     

Communication profiles and sport experiences of collegiate track and field athletes

ObjectivesAthletes often communicate with one another and exchange information, attitudes, and feelings that can influence their sport experiences. In an effort to better understand the sport communication context, the purpose of the current study was to (a) describe communication profiles of athletes (b) examine potential predictors (i.e., team identity, sex) of profile membership, and (c) examine the salience of these profiles by assessing profile group differences on athletes’ perceptions of burnout, engagement, satisfaction, and enjoyment.DesignCross-sectional survey-based study.MethodCollegiate track and field athletes (N = 219) completed measures of demographic information, team communication, team identity, burnout, engagement, enjoyment, and satisfaction. Communication profiles were examined using latent profile analysis. Using the three-step method in Mplus, possible prediction of profile membership and profile differences in perceptions of sport experiences were examined.ResultsThree profiles emerged: the Less Effective Communicators, the Supportive Communicators, and the Functional Communicators. Athletes with greater team identity were more likely to be in the Supportive Communicators profile (p < 0.001), male participants were more likely to be in the Functional Communicators profile (p < 0.05) than the other profiles, and female participants were less likely to be in the Less Effective Communicators profile than the Supportive Communicators profile (p < 0.05). The Less Effective Communicators had greater perceptions of burnout (ps < 0.01) and lower perceptions of engagement (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05), satisfaction (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001), and enjoyment (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05) than the Supportive and Functional Communicators. Supportive Communicators had greater satisfaction (p < 0.001) and enjoyment (p < 0.001) than the Functional Communicators.ConclusionsDifferent profiles of communication in track and field athletes may have implications for athletes’ sport experiences and warrant continued study.     

Similar changes in muscle fiber phenotype with differentiated consequences for rate of force development: Endurance versus resistance training

Resistance training has been shown to positively affect the rate of force development (RFD) whereas there is currently no data on the effect of endurance training on RFD. Subjects completed ten weeks of either resistance training (RT, n = 7) or endurance cycling (END, n = 7). Pre and post measurements included biopsies obtained from m. vastus lateralis to quantify fiber phenotype and fiber area and isokinetic dynamometer tests to quantify maximal torque (Nm) and RFD (Nm/s) at 0–30, 0–50, 0–100 and 0–200 ms during maximal isometric contraction for both knee extensors and flexors. Both groups increased the area percentage of type IIa fibers (p < .01) and decreased the area percentage of type IIx fibers (p = .05), whereas only RT increased fiber size (p < .05). RT significantly increased eccentric, concentric and isometric strength for both knee extensors and flexors, whereas END did not. RT increased 200 ms RFD (p < .01) in knee flexor RFD and a tendency towards an increase at 100 ms (p < .1), whereas tendencies towards decreases were observed for the END group at 30, 50 and 100 ms (p < .1), resulting in RT having a higher RFD than END at post (p < .01). In conclusion, resistance training may be very important for maintaining RFD, whereas endurance training may negatively impact RFD.     

Refreshing Older Adults’ Driving Skills (ROADSkills): A randomized controlled trial examining the effect of video feedback

ObjectivesThis study evaluated the effectiveness of a personalized video-based driver training program on the behind-the-wheel skills of community-dwelling older adults.MethodIn this randomized controlled trial (RCT), 80 older drivers [mean age (SD) = 71.0 (3.9)] were randomly assigned to view one of two educational videos: 1) personalized video feedback on their driving (n = 40) or 2) a generic video on aging-in-place (n = 40). The primary outcome, the total number of errors accrued in a 30-minute standardized on-road evaluation, was analyzed at baseline and 4 weeks after watching the assigned video. On-road evaluations were video-recorded and scored by a blinded rater. Self-report measures of driving abilities, behaviors, and comfort were also compared.ResultsAt the 4-week follow-up, the mean difference in the number of on-road performance errors [mean (95% CI) = -12.0 (-16.6, −7.4), p < 0.001] favored the intervention group compared to controls, with significant improvements across multiple domains: vehicle control [mean (95% CI) = -4.8 (-8.1, −1.5), p < 0.01], observing the roadway [mean (95% CI) = -5.5 (-8.4, −2.6), p < 0.001], and compliance with traffic rules [mean (95% CI) = -1.3 (-2.3, −0.2), p < 0.05]. Within-group change on behind-the-wheel errors was significant for the intervention group [mean (95% CI) = -10.3 (-13.5, −7.1), p < 0.001], but not for the control group [mean (95% CI) = 1.7 (-1.6, 4.9), p > 0.05]. No significant differences were found on the self-report measures.DiscussionA novel, video-based approach that provided personalized feedback to older drivers significantly reduced behind-the-wheel errors 4-weeks post-intervention. Changes in self-reported driving behaviors and abilities were not significant. Future research will examine the long-term effects of this approach on older adults’ actual and perceived driving abilities.     

Associations between the perceived quality of the coach–athlete relationship and athlete burnout: An examination of the mediating role of achievement goals

ObjectivesThe aim of the current study was to examine (1) associations between the quality of the coach–athlete relationship as perceived by athletes and athlete burnout and, (2) the role of achievement goals in mediating the association between the coach–athlete relationship and burnout.DesignCross-sectional.Method359 athletes completed measures of the perceived quality of the coach–athlete relationship (the 3Cs model), achievement goals (the 2 × 2 model) and burnout (the athlete burnout model).ResultsStructural equation modeling revealed negative relationships between the perceived quality of the coach–athlete relationship and the three dimensions of athlete burnout (df = 118, χ² = 215.37, RMSEA = .05 [.04; .06], TLI = .97, CFI = .97). Moreover, results suggested that mastery-approach goals partially mediated the relationship between the coach–athlete relationship and two dimensions of athlete burnout: sport devaluation (i.e., indirect and direct effects: p < .001) and reduced accomplishment (i.e., indirect and direct effects: p < .01).ConclusionThe current study confirms and broadens previous knowledge on the socio-cognitive correlates of athlete burnout by demonstrating that the level of athlete burnout is associated with the perceived quality of the relationship with the coach. Results also highlight that achievement goals partially mediate these relationships.     

Domain-specific perfectionism in intercollegiate athletes: Relationships with perceived competence and perceived importance in sport and school

ObjectivesTo examine the domain-specific nature of perfectionism in sport and school, and to examine potential links between domain-specific perceived competence, perceived importance (task value), and perfectionism in sport and school.Design and MethodA total of 255 male and female varsity student-athletes from a successful intercollegiate sport program completed domain-specific (i.e., sport and school) versions of Hewitt and Flett's (1991) Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (HF-MPS). Participants also completed an inventory designed to assess perceived competence (PC) in sport versus school and perceived importance (PI) of success in sport versus school.ResultsExploratory factor analyses conducted on perfectionism data indicated that perfectionist orientations were organized around domain-specific as opposed to global perfectionist tendencies. Regression analyses indicated that PC was a significant predictor of domain-specific levels of self-oriented and socially prescribed perfectionism (ps < .05), and PI was a significant predictor of domain-specific levels of self-oriented, socially prescribed, and other-oriented perfectionism (ps < .001). A repeated-measures MANOVA revealed that student-athletes had significantly higher levels of perfectionism in sport than school (ps < .0001) across all three HF-MPS subscales.ConclusionResults reinforce the value of measuring perfectionism as a domain-specific (rather than global) personality disposition, and identify the potential role that perceived competence and perceived importance may play in the development of domain-specific perfectionism.     

Study of Sexual Concordance in Men and Women with Different Typologies of Adherence to the Sexual Double Standard

Background/ObjectiveSexual concordance (i.e., relationship between genital response and subjective sexual arousal) is higher in men than in women. Among the factors that could explain this difference would be the sexual double standard (SDS). Sexual concordance is examined by SDS typologies of adherence (egalitarian, man-favorable, and woman-favorable).MethodDuring exposure to a film with sexual content, genital response (penile circumference/vaginal pulse amplitude) and self-reported sexual arousal were recorded in 104 young adults (42 men and 62 women), distributed into SDS typologies of adherence on the basis of their scores on the Sexual Double Standard Scale.ResultsSexual concordance was obtained in men and women with egalitarian and man-favorable typology. Subjective sexual arousal explained a significant percentage of the variance in genital response in the egalitarian typology (men: R² = .32, p < .01; women: R² = .19, p < .05) and man-favorable typology (men: R² = .21, p < .05; women: R² = .23, p < .05).ConclusionsAgreement between genital responsiveness and subjective sexual arousal depends on DES adherence typology.     

Perceived functions of playfulness in adults: Does it mobilize you at work,rest, and when being with others?

IntroductionLittle is known about what adults perceive as core functions of playfulness in their daily life.ObjectiveTo compile a list of perceived functions of playfulness from nominations of laypeople and to test the association of the productions with individual levels of playfulness as a personality trait.MethodThree hundred and twenty-four adults aged 18 to 62 (M = 31.6, SD = 11.5) listed perceived functions of playfulness in five areas (leisure and work and when being with work colleagues, friends, and their partner) and completed a questionnaire for playfulness.ResultsThe entries were grouped into seven broader categories; namely, (1) well-being; (2) humor and laughter; (3) mastery orientation; (4) creativity; (5) relationships; (6) coping strategies; and (7) coping with situations. Women noted more functions than men (t(297) = 2.99, p < .01, d = 0.35) but there were no gender differences in the playfulness scale. Individual levels of playfulness correlated only for men with a greater number of functions, while it was uncorrelated in the sample of women.ConclusionPeople see a broad range of functions for playfulness in their daily lives. This warrants further investigation on potential benefits of adult playfulness.     

Predicting changes in planning behaviour and physical activity among adults

Though the effect of action planning upon behavioural enactment is becoming well-established, adherence to planning interventions are modest. Motivations specific to action planning may predict planning behaviour. The primary purpose of the present study was to determine if theory of planned behaviour constructs operationalized for planning could predict change in planning behaviour. The secondary purpose was to determine if planning behaviour predicted changes in physical activity. Participants (n = 337, M_age = 31 ± 5) were adults with intentions to be more active who completed measures of affective and instrumental attitudes towards planning, subjective norms towards planning, perceived behavioural control over planning, intentions to plan, self-reported planning behaviour, intentions to be active and self-reported physical activity at baseline (T1) and after four weeks (T2). Affective attitudes towards planning (β = 0.10, p < .05), instrumental attitudes towards planning (β = 0.22; p < .01) subjective norms over planning (β = 0.12, p < .01) and perceived behavioural control over planning (β = 0.53, p < .01) predicted intentions to plan (adj. R² = 0.66). Intentions to plan (β = 0.16, p < .05) and intentions to be active (β = −0.25, p < .05) predicted change in planning behaviour (R²_change = 0.03). Planning behaviour (β = 0.27, p < .05) predicted change in physical activity (R²_change = 0.07). Planning behaviour appears to have its own motivations distinct from those of physical activity. Future interventions should target planning behaviour along with its motivations and control beliefs to increase rates of planning. The theoretical underpinnings of the TPB are of value for understanding both planning behaviour and physical activity.     

A dual process model of affective and instrumental implicit attitude,self-monitoring,and sedentary behavior

IntroductionA dual process model based upon the affect and health behavior framework was used to explain sedentary behavior, where affective and instrumental components of implicit attitude were measured. Extending dual process theory, we assessed the moderating role of self-monitoring on the effects of implicit attitude on behavior.MethodIn Study 1, 148 office workers completed measures of affective and instrumental implicit attitude and self-monitoring at baseline, followed by a measure of sedentary behavior one week later. We then replicated this study in 241 undergraduates, with the addition of measures of the theory of planned behavior at the initial time point to represent conscious pathways to behavior.ResultsIn both studies there was no direct effect of either form of implicit attitude on behavior. However, self-monitoring moderated the effect of affective implicit attitude such that affective implicit attitude was a significant correlate of sedentary behavior only in those low in self-monitoring. In Study 2, sedentary behavior was also associate with intention, and intention was in turn associated with explicit affective attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control. Self-monitoring was not associated with sedentary behavior, nor did it moderate the intention-behavior relationship.DiscussionFindings suggest sedentary behavior is a largely affect driven behavior. Further, both reasoned and automatic processes contribute to sedentary behavior, but automatic processes only make a significant contribution when individuals are not consistently monitoring their behavior.     

Effect of different residential settings on gait kinematic parameters in older adults with cognitive impairment

ObjectiveTo compare the parameters of gait kinematics of older adults with cognitive impairment who live in community dwellings or those living or spending most of the time in non-family environment settings.MethodsThe sample was composed of 33 older adults of both sexes with cognitive impairment. Participants were separated into three groups: a community-dwelling older adult group comprised of 11 subjects; a semi-institutionalized older adult group comprised of 10 older adults attended in a geriatric daycare institution; and an institutionalized older adult group comprised of 12 older adults living in long-term institutions. Gait kinematics were recorded by pressure sensors (footswitches). Fifty gait cycles at self-selected pace were analyzed to obtain: gait speed, stride length, stance, swing, and stride time. The variability of these parameters was also analyzed.ResultsMANCOVA identified the main effect of groups (p < 0.001). Gait speed of older adults living in long-term institutions and older adults attended in geriatric daycare institutions was slower than community-living older adults (p < 0.001 and p = 0.04, respectively). Swing and stride time variability was higher in older adults living in long-term institutions (p = 0.003 and p = 0.001) and in older adults attended in geriatric daycare institutions (p = 0.02 and p = 0.001) than in community-dwelling older adults.ConclusionThe most important finding was that older adults with cognitive impairment who need non-family residential setting care had higher gait kinematics abnormalities, which may increase the risk of falls, compared to those who live in the community.     

The effects of lemon taste on attention,perceived exertion,and affect during a stepping task

ObjectivesTo better understand the effects of taste cues on delaying the attention shift from an external focus (dissociative) towards an internal focus (associative) as exercise intensity increases.DesignA between subjects' experimental design with random assignment to three groups: taste (lemon-flavored mouth guards), placebo (unflavored mouth guards), or control group (no mouth guards) was used. Participants reported perceived exertion, affect (i.e., pleasantness and arousal), and attention allocation before, during, and after performing a weighted stepping task.ResultsPerforming the task resulted in a gradual increase of perceived exertion, F (1.87, 74.89) = 63.05, p < .05, η_p² = .61, along with a shift from dissociative to associative attention, F (2.17, 86.68) = 35.57, p < .05, η_p² = .47 across all conditions. Additionally, participants reported feeling less pleasant and more aroused after task completion in all conditions. The lemon-flavored mouth guard failed to affect attention, F (4.33, 86.68) = 1.41, p = .23, η_p² = .07, perceived exertion, F (3.74, 74.86) = .38, p = .81, η_p² = .02, pleasantness, F (2, 40) = .126, p = .88, η_p² = .01, and arousal, F (2, 40) = 2.40, p = .10, η_p² = .10, differently than the other two conditions.ConclusionsThe study was one of the first to examine the effects of taste during an exertive task. Despite the non-significant effects of using a lemon-taste mouth guard on various cognitive variables (perception of exertion, attention allocation, pleasantness, and arousal), more scientific effort is needed to explore the effects of other tastes (e.g., sweet, bitter) and delivery methods (e.g., sprays, drops).     

Mechanisms of postural control in older adults based on surface electromyography data

ObjectivesThe present study aimed to clarify the mechanisms of postural control during standing in older adults and document the mechanisms of age-related motor control based on changes in muscle activities.MethodsA total of 26 healthy male adults (older adult group, ≥65–78 years: n = 16; younger adult group, 20–23 years: n = 10) participated in this study. Ground reaction force and kinematic data of the lower limbs (hip, knee, and ankle), and electromyographic data from 6 postural muscles on the right side were recorded and quantified for each motor phase during rapid voluntary center of pressure (COP) shift.ResultsAlthough hip strategy was more frequently observed in older adults than in young adults (56.3% vs. 20.0%), no muscle activity of hip agonists was observed in some (31.3%) older adults. Furthermore, older adults had a statistically significant delay in the inhibition of postural muscles during anticipatory postural adjustments (p < 0.05). After the onset of COP motion, the co-contraction time between agonists and antagonists was significantly prolonged in the older adults than in the younger adults (p < 0.05), and the reciprocal muscle pattern was unclear in the older adults. Prior to the termination of movement, agonist activity continued longer in the older adult group than in the younger adult group; that is, inhibition was insufficient in the older adult group.ConclusionA series of postural strategies during the voluntary movement task were altered in older adults, and this was significantly related not only with the activation but also the inhibition of postural muscles.     

Predictors of aerobic physical activity and resistance training among Canadian adults with type 2 diabetes: An application of the Protection Motivation Theory

BackgroundIt is well established that both aerobic physical activity (PA) and resistance training are essential in the treatment and management of type 2 diabetes (T2D), but few studies have examined the determinants of both modes of PA in the same sample.PurposeThe main objective was to investigate the utility of the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) in predicting aerobic PA and resistance training in a population sample of T2D adults.MethodsA total of 244 individuals completed self-report PMT constructs of vulnerability, severity, fear, response efficacy, self-efficacy and intention, and a 3-month follow-up that assessed aerobic PA and resistance training.ResultsPMT explained 19% (p < .001) and 20% (p < .001) of the variance respectively for aerobic PA and resistance training behaviour. Significant associations were found between self-efficacy (β = 0.45, p < .001) and gender (β = 0.15, p < .05) for aerobic PA, and self-efficacy (β = 0.48, p < .001) and age (β = 0.17, p < .05) for resistance training. PMT accounted for 43% (p < .001) and 56% (p < .001) of the variance respectively for aerobic PA and resistance training intentions. For aerobic PA, response efficacy (β = 0.14, p < .05) and self-efficacy (β = 0.59, p < .001) were significantly associated with intention, while response efficacy (β = 0.23, p < .001), self-efficacy (β = 0.64, p < .001) and age (β = 0.10, p < .05) were significantly related with resistance training intention.ConclusionsNone of the unique constructs of the PMT (i.e., perceived vulnerability, severity and fear) were significant with either aerobic and resistance training intention. These results may guide the development of effective PA interventions in people with T2D.     

Theory of Planned Behavior: Implications for an email-based physical activity intervention

ObjectivesA 3-week study was conducted to determine the effect of persuasive messages sent via email on psychological constructs associated with Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and exercise behavior in sedentary college students (N=170).MethodsParticipants (105 M; 65 F; 94% Caucasian; 20.2±.9 years) completed the Godin Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire (GLTEQ) and self-report measures of the TPB. Participants received persuasive messages every other day for 2 weeks. One randomly assigned group received positively framed messages (PFM; n=57); the other received negatively framed messages (NFM, n=57); and the control group (CG; n=56) received none. Participants completed the GLTEQ and TPB questionnaires following the 2-week treatment phase and again 1 week later.ResultsANCOVA results revealed that PFM reported higher exercise behavior levels than both NFM and CG at follow-up (p<.05) and retention (p<.05). For exercise intention, PFM and NFM reported significantly higher levels than CG at follow-up (p<.05), while PFM reported higher levels than NFM and CG at retention (p<.05). Also, pairwise comparisons revealed higher intention levels for NFM compared to CG at retention (p<.05). PFM reported higher levels of affective attitude compared to CG at follow-up (p<.05) and retention (p<.05), while NFM reported higher levels than CG at follow-up (p<.05). For instrumental attitude, all three groups were statistically different (p<.05) at retention (PFM>NFM, NFM>CG, PFM>CG).ConclusionsOnly positively framed persuasive messages sent via email improved exercise behavior. Both types of messages affected attitude, and intention in sedentary young adults. This research provides useful information for creating interventions to enhance exercise adherence.     

Approach-achievement goals and motivational context on psycho-physiological functioning and performance among novice basketball players

ObjectivesDrawing from an integrated motivational model (Vansteenkiste, Lens, Elliot, Soenens, & Mouratidis, 2014), this study tested the impact of induced approach-based achievement goal states under different motivational contexts on the psycho-physiological functioning and motor task performance of novice basketball players.DesignA 3 × 2 (Goal [task-/self-/other-approach] x Context [autonomy-supportive/controlling]) repeated measures experimental design was employed.Method114 novice participants (M_age = 23.53; SD = 4.56) performed a basketball shooting task. They were subsequently randomly assigned to one of six experimental conditions before repeating this task. Physiological (heart rate [HR] and blood pressure [BP]) and psychological (stress appraisals, state anxiety, task enjoyment, perceived competence, and goal attainment) data were captured at different intervals throughout the experiment.ResultsFactorial ANOVAs revealed participants: 1) performing under a controlling motivational context reported significantly higher HR (p < .001) and systolic BP (p < .05) post-task compared to those operating within an autonomy-supportive environment, 2) induced to an other-approach goal group, recorded significantly higher diastolic BP (p < .05) than those induced to self- and task-approach goals post-task, 3) adopting a task-approach goal under controlling conditions appraised the shooting task as significantly more threatening (p < .05) than their counterparts in the task-approach autonomy-supportive condition, and finally, 4) following approach-based goals under an autonomy-supportive context significantly improved their performance (p < .001) from pre-to post-shooting task.ConclusionsOur findings provide limited support for an integrated motivational model and are discussed in relation to their unique theoretical and practical utility.     

To share or not to share: A theoretically guided investigation of factors predicting intentions to use fully automated shared passenger shuttles

This study applied the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) to assess individuals’ intentions to use fully automated shared passenger shuttles when they become publicly available. In addition, perceived trust was assessed to examine the extent to which this variable could account for additional variance in intentions above the TPB constructs of attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control (PBC). Further, and also guided by the TPB, the study explored the differences in behavioural, normative, and control beliefs between individuals who reported high intentions to use automated passenger shuttles in the future (high intenders) and individuals who reported low intentions to use fully automated shared passenger shuttles in the future (low intenders). Participants (N = 438; 64% female) aged between 17 and 84 years (Mage = 35.42 years) were asked to complete an online questionnaire which took approximately 15 min. The findings revealed that attitudes, subjective norms, and PBC were significant positive predictors of intentions to use fully automated shared passenger shuttles when they become publicly available. When perceived trust was added to the hierarchical regression, this variable was shown to account for additional significant variance in intentions above the TPB constructs and was shown to be a significant positive predictor of intentions. Further, the results revealed significant differences in beliefs held by high and low intenders. Specifically, high intenders held significantly more positive beliefs towards fully automated shared passenger shuttles than low intenders. In turn, low intenders held significantly more negative beliefs towards these vehicles than high intenders. Overall, these findings provide support for the utility of the TPB in examining individuals’ intentions to use fully automated shared passenger shuttles when they become publicly available.     

Prevalence,correlates, and psychosocial outcomes of sport participation in young adult cancer survivors

Young adult cancer survivors (YACS) face unique challenges from their disease and treatments that may influence their sport participation choices as well as their psychosocial response.ObjectivesTo examine the prevalence, correlates, and psychosocial outcomes of sport participation in YACS.DesignA provincial, population-based mailed survey of 588 YACS in Alberta, Canada, was completed in May 2008 and included measures of sport participation, psychosocial health (depression, self-esteem, and stress), quality of life (QoL), and medical and demographic variables.ResultsOne third (32.5%) of YACS reported participating in a sport in the past month with the most common being golf (40.8%) and ice hockey (8.3%). YACS participating in sport reported an average frequency of 1.7 (SD = 1.0) days/week and an average duration of 119 min/session (SD = 68) for a total of 189 (SD = 164) min/week. Independent t-tests showed that YACS who participated in sport reported better psychosocial health and QoL including physical QoL (p < 0.001), mental QoL (p < 0.001), self-esteem (p < 0.001), depression (p < 0.001), and stress (p < 0.001). In multivariate regression analysis, 8.5% (p < 0.001) of the variance in sport participation was explained by being male (β = 0.17, p < 0.001), Caucasian (β = 0.15, p = 0.001), in better general health (β = 0.15, p < 0.001), and having a normal body mass index (β = ?0.10, p = 0.024).Discussion/conclusionsSport participation is associated with better psychosocial health and QoL in YACS but only a third participated in the past month. Randomized controlled trials examining sport as an intervention strategy to increase physical activity and improve health outcomes in YACS are warranted.