| Abstract: | This paper argues that empirical, conceptual, and statistical difficulties characterise previous demonstrations that self‐schemas moderate the relationship between intentions and behaviour. A longitudinal study (n=163) was designed to overcome limitations of previous research. Theory of planned behaviour variables, past behaviour, and self‐schemas were assessed in relation to exercise. Behaviour was followed up two weeks later. Findings showed that self‐schemas moderated the intention–behaviour relation such that schematics were more likely to enact their intentions to exercise compared to unschematics. Evidence suggested that the importance dimension of self‐schema measures was responsible for the moderator effect. Self‐schemas were also associated with improved prediction of behavioural intentions after controlling for the other predictors. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. |
