title: A Rolling Stone Gathers No Moss-The Long Way from Good Intentions to Physical Activity Mediated by Planning, Social Support, and Self-Regulation.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Although many people know that an active lifestyle contributes to health they fail to translate their intentions into action. This has been explained by deficits in self-management and resources, such as enabling social support, planning, and self-regulation in the face of barriers. The present study examines the role of perceived social support, planning, and self-regulation in facilitating physical activity.
  
  
  METHODS
  In a prospective online study, intention was assessed at baseline (Time 1), planning and social support at 4-week follow-up (Time 2), self-regulation and physical activity at 6-month follow-up (Time 3). A path analysis was conducted to shed light on mediating psychological mechanisms contributing to maintenance of physical activity.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Perceived support (Time 2), planning (Time 2), and self-regulation (Time 3) mediated the link from intention (Time 1) to physical activity (Time 3); the specific and total indirect effects were significant.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Findings suggest that perceived social support, planning, and self-regulation can bridge the intention-behavior gap. Behavior change interventions should target those mechanisms in vulnerable individuals.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Psychology, Focus Area Diversity, Jacobs University Bremen Bremen, Germany.
authors.forename: Juliane
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Paech
authors.affiliation: Center for Applied Research on Health Behavior and Health, University of Social Sciences and HumanitiesWarsaw, Poland; Trauma, Health and Hazards Center, University of Colorado, Colorado SpringsColorado Springs, CO, USA.
authors.forename: Aleksandra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Luszczynska
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Psychology, Focus Area Diversity, Jacobs University Bremen Bremen, Germany.
authors.forename: Sonia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lippke
keywords: HAPA; SOC; leisure time activity; lifestyle; mediation; volition