A test of the theory of planned behavior to explain physical activity in a large population sample of adolescents from Alberta, Canada.
OBJECTIVE
To test the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) in a large population sample of adolescents from Alberta, Canada.


METHODS
4,073 adolescents completed a self-administered web-based survey related to physical activity (PA).


RESULTS
TPB explained 59% and 43% of the variance for intention and behavior, respectively. Moderating (by gender) and mediating tests were supported.


CONCLUSIONS
TPB is useful for understanding PA in this population.
School of Education, Faculty of Education and Arts, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia. ron.plotnikoff@newcastle.edu.au
Ronald C
RC
Plotnikoff
David R
DR
Lubans
Sarah A
SA
Costigan
Linda
L
Trinh
John C
JC
Spence
Shauna
S
Downs
Linda
L
McCargar
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D000416:Alberta / Q000453:epidemiology; D001294:Attitude to Health; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D007389:Internal-External Control; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D012649:Self Concept; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires / Q000592:standards*