Planning and preparatory actions facilitate physical activity maintenance |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Department of Health Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, Habelschwerdter Allee 45 (PF10), 14195 Berlin, Germany;2. German Centre of Gerontology, Berlin, Germany;3. Institute for Positive Psychology and Education, Australian Catholic University, Sydney, Australia;1. Department of Psychology, Rowan University, USA;2. Department of Family Medicine, Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine, USA;3. Department of Kinesiology, University of North Carolina-Greensboro, USA;1. Ghent University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Movement and Sports Sciences, Watersportlaan 2, B-9000 Gent, Belgium;2. Ghent University, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Department of Developmental, Personality and Social Psychology, Henri Dunantlaan 2, B-9000 Gent, Belgium;1. Priority Research Centre in Physical Activity and Nutrition, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia;2. Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada |
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| Abstract: | ObjectiveMany people do not behave in line with their self-imposed goal to be more physically active. To bridge this intention–behavior gap, detailed planning is regarded as being instrumental. Moreover, preparatory actions are supposed to facilitate physical activity in conjunction with planning. Thus, preparatory actions are seen as mediators between intention and behaviors. The present study examines whether intention is translated into physical activity stepwise via planning as well as via preparatory actions.DesignAt three points in time, physical activity, planning, preparatory actions, and the intention to be physically active were assessed in 338 participants.MethodsBy means of structural equation modeling, it was examined whether the pathway from intention to physical activity includes a mediating sequence of planning as well as preparatory actions.ResultsThe sequential mediation model confirmed pathways from intention to planning, from planning to preparatory behaviors, and from preparatory behaviors to follow-up physical activity, while controlling for baseline indicators. Furthermore, there was an indirect effect of intention on preparatory actions via planning, an indirect effect of planning on physical activity via preparatory actions, and an indirect effect of intention on physical activity via planning and preparatory actions thus, confirming the hypothesized sequence.ConclusionsIndividuals who are motivated to be physically active are likely to make a plan, and if they do so, they are more likely to take preparatory actions, resulting in a higher chance to perform the target behavior. |
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| Keywords: | Intention behavior gap Physical activity Planning Preparatory behaviors |
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