Reflecting on physical activity across 2 years of the COVID-19 pandemic: Predictors of intention-behavior profiles
Date
2023
Authors
Rhodes, Ryan E.
Sui, Wuyou
Nuss, Kayla
Liu, Sam
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Applied Psychology: Health and Well Being
Abstract
The COVD-19 pandemic has affected how many people engage in regular moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA). The purpose of this study was to predict current and dynamic (across two years of the pandemic) intention and MVPA profiles using the multiprocess action control (M-PAC) framework. A representative sample of 977 English-speaking Canadians (18+ years) completed measures of reflective (instrumental attitude, affective attitude, perceived capability and opportunity), regulatory (planning and self-monitoring), and reflexive (habit, identity) processes and MVPA. These measures included current assessments and reflections prior to the COVID-19 restrictions. Three current intention-behavior profiles (nonintenders, unsuccessful intenders, successful intenders) and five dynamic intention-MVPA by pre-pandemic MVPA profiles (consistent non-intenders, relapsed non-intenders, consistent unsuccessful intenders, relapsed unsuccessful intenders, consistent successful intenders) emerged from these data, showing few increased MVPA across the pandemic. The current and dynamic profiles were subsequently predicted by changes in specific reflective, regulatory, and reflexive processes across the pandemic; however, only change in identity was the critical predictor of successful MVPA engagement in the dynamic two-year MVPA profiles. Collectively, the
findings support the joint promotion of reflective, regulatory, and reflexive processes in the
choice of behavior change techniques to promote post-pandemic MVPA intention and behavior.
Description
Keywords
Identity, Perceived Capability, Behavioral Regulation, Adults, Exercise, Opportunity
Citation
Rhodes, R.E., Sui, W., Nuss, K., & Liu, S. (2023). Reflecting on physical activity across two years of the COVID-19 pandemic: Predictors of intention-behavior profiles. Applied Psychology: Health and Well Being, 15(2), 757-775. https://doi.org/10.1111/aphw.12409