title: Examining predictors of physical activity among inactive middle-aged women: an application of the health action process approach.
abstract: This study tested several relationships predicted by the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) in a sample of 175 generally healthy, inactive, middle-aged women (40-65 yrs old) over a 12 week period. Participants' physical activity, risk perceptions, outcome expectancies, action self-efficacy and intention were measured at baseline. Planning and maintenance self-efficacy were measured 4 weeks later. Physical activity behaviour was measured 12 weeks after baseline. The HAPA relationships were examined using a structural equation model. The data fit the model well and revealed several significant relationships. Action self-efficacy was the best predictor of intention. Maintenance self-efficacy was the best predictor of planning and behaviour. Contrary to the tenets of HAPA and to past research, planning did not predict behaviour. Overall, HAPA provides a useful framework for identifying determinants of physical activity intentions and behaviour within a group of inactive, middle-aged women.
authors.affiliation: School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Carolyn J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Barg
authors.forename: Amy E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Latimer
authors.forename: Elizabeth A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Pomery
authors.forename: Susan E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Rivers
authors.forename: Tara A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Rench
authors.forename: Harry
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Prapavessis
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Salovey
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008875:Middle Aged; D057185:Sedentary Behavior; D020377:Self Efficacy