Impact of activity behaviors on physical activity identity and self-efficacy.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the relationship of level of physical activity and length of time of adherence to physical activity, with physical activity identity (PAI) and physical activity self-efficacy (PASE).


METHODS
In a cross-sectional design, 409 adults completed a survey assessing activity level and adherence, PAI and PASE.


RESULTS
Vigorous activity was associated with higher scores on PAI and PASE scales with activity level contributing significantly larger proportions of the variance in scores compared to adherence.


CONCLUSIONS
Effort should be invested in encouraging people when beginning an exercise regimen to set a long-term goal of vigorous activity. This approach may lead to stronger identification with and self-efficacy for physical activity leading to greater adherence.
Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion, University of Kentucky, Lexington 40506-0219, USA. kmill5@pop.uky.edu
Kim H
KH
Miller
Roberta J
RJ
Ogletree
Kathleen
K
Welshimer
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology*; D006040:Goals; D015438:Health Behavior / Q000208:ethnology; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D015146:Midwestern United States; D016272:Occupational Health; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology*; D012649:Self Concept; D020377:Self Efficacy; D013997:Time Factors; D014495:Universities