title: The roles of behavioral and implementation intentions in changing physical activity in young children with low socioeconomic status.
abstract: There is a dearth of research examining physical activity in children aged 6-10 years with low socioeconomic status, despite the fact there is good reason to suspect this is a critical period when physical activity habits are created. Physical activity and theory of planned behavior variables were measured at three time points, and children (N = 77) randomized to the experimental condition were additionally asked to form an implementation intention. Intention was a potent mediator of the past behavior-future behavior relationship and the implementation intention intervention significantly increased physical activity compared with the control condition. The findings suggest that physical activity can be increased in children aged 6-10 years with low socioeconomic status and that implementation intentions might enhance the effectiveness of children's physical activity programs.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Christopher J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Armitage
authors.forename: Christine A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Sprigg
mesh_terms: D001290:Attitude; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D002648:Child; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity; D010988:Play and Playthings; D011203:Poverty / Q000523:psychology*