Links between personality, time perspective, and intention to practice physical activity during cancer treatment: an exploratory study.
The purpose of the study was to analyze links between personality, time perspective, and intention to practice physical activity during cancer treatment.



One hundred forty-three patients participated in survey by questionnaire. Intention to practice physical activity, time perspective using Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory, and personality with the Big Five Inventory were measured. Structural equation models using Lisrel were developed to examine hypothetical links between the variables.



The adjusted model evidenced an excellent fit (comparative fit index = 0.92; root-mean-square error of approximation = 0.076; P = .014). Results showed that intention to practice exercise was positively linked with openness to experience and negatively with present fatalist time perspective. Moreover, conscientiousness and neuroticism were found to be linked with future time perspective, which was positively related with intention to practice physical activity.



The present exploratory study with patients suffering from cancer underlined the importance of considering jointly time perspective dimensions and personality factors for health behavior recommendations. Based on our results, we propose some reflections on practice to help nurses and physicians increase patient's motivation to be physically active. Taking into account patients' personality and time perspective, we would be able to propose specific awareness messages and offer short interventions to have an impact on patients' motivation to practice.
Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France.|Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France.
Charlène
0000-0003-2589-3661
C
Villaron
Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France.
Tanguy
T
Marqueste
Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France.
François
F
Eisinger
Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France.
Maria-Antonietta
MA
Cappiello
Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France.
Pierre
P
Therme
Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France.|Toulon University, France.
François
F
Cury
D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D005602:France; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D010551:Personality; D010554:Personality Disorders; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
cancer; exercise; future perspective; oncology; personality