The stability of the attitude-intention relationship in the context of physical activity.
Attitude has been shown to be an important antecedent of physical activity intentions and behaviour. It is unclear whether the attitude-intention relationship is stable over time. The aim of the present study was to examine the stability of the attitude-intention relationship over a 6 week period. A panel study of 65 males and 81 females aged 20.6+/-0.8 years was conducted, in which measures of attitudes, intentions, self-reported physical activity and perceived behavioural control were assessed at the beginning and end of the 6 weeks. The data were analysed using path analysis. Results indicated that the attitude-intention relationship was stable over time. In addition, the behaviour-intention relationship was undermined over time. It is recommended that interventions can facilitate adherence to physical activity by reinforcing attitude change during initial and later stages of treatment.
Chatzisarantis
Nikos L D
NL
School of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Exeter, St Luke's Campus, Exeter EX1 2LU, UK. n.chatzisarantis@exeter.ac.uk
Hagger
Martin S
MS
Biddle
Stuart J H
SJ
Smith
Brett
B
D000328:Adult; D001290:Attitude; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D007899:Leisure Activities / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D008960:Models, Psychological; D020377:Self Efficacy; D013997:Time Factors