Predicting family and child physical activity across six-months of a family-based intervention: An application of theory of planned behavior, planning and habit
Date
2021
Authors
Rhodes, Ryan E.
Quinlan, Alison
Naylor, Patti-Jean
Warburton, Darren E. R.
Blanchard, Chris M.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Journal of Sports Sciences
Abstract
Background: Family-based physical activity (PA) interventions have proven effective in modifying physical activity; yet, the mechanisms underlying behavioral performance are currently unclear. In this study, we follow-up upon prior trial data that showed changes to child moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) as a result of a family education+planning intervention compared to an education only condition. We examined parents’ perceived family PA frequency, family PA social cognitions, and family PA habit over the 26 weeks between the two conditions. Methods: One hundred and two parents (of children aged 6 to 12 yrs), were recruited through advertisements and randomized to either a planning + education condition (n = 52) or an education only condition (n = 50) designed to improve child MVPA. Self-reported family PA, social cognition (measured by theory of planned behavior, planning intention, habit) were completed by the contact parent at baseline, six-week, 13-week, and 26-week time-periods. Results: The education+planning intervention increased planning intention (p < .01) and family PA (p = .06) compared to the education only group. The effect of condition on the putative mediators did not explain these changes (all 95% CIs crossed 0), and family PA was associated with child MVPA only at 13 weeks (p <.01). Intervention assignment had a small indirect effect on family PA (favoring the education+planning group) via Habit. Perceived behavioral control and habit were consistent predictors of family PA (p < .05), but not PA intention or planning intention (p > .05). Conclusions: The planning+education intervention showed improved family PA and planning intention, yet the null mediation results suggest that other variables from the family system (e.g., child motivation, other parent’s motivation and plans) are likely needed to fully understand the intervention effects. The promotion of perceived behavioral control and habit to assist in family PA is recommended for future research in this population.
Description
Keywords
Planning, Exercise, Habit, Theory of Planned Behavior
Citation
Rhodes, R.E., Quinlan, A., Naylor, P. J., Warburton, D. E. R., & Blanchard, C. M. (2021). Predicting family and child physical activity across six-months of a family-based intervention: An application of theory of planned behavior, planning and habit. Journal of Sports Sciences, 39(13), 1461-1471. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2021.1877460