Using theory of planned behaviour and past behaviour to predict exercise in groups of high and low spontaneous implementation intentions

Abstract

This study determined the predictive utility of the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) and past behaviour in predicting intention and exercise among high and low implementation intentions groups, formed on the basis of their implementation intention scores. The attrition rate over three phases of data collection was 35.97%, leaving 162 Canadian University College students for the main analyses (63 males, 99 females). Measures of TPB, past behaviour, and spontaneous implementation intentions were completed during phase 1 of data collection. A measure of exercise behaviour was completed during the second and third phases. In predicting intention, attitude towards exercise predicted intention in both groups whilst perceived behavioural control predicted intention in the high implementation intentions group only. In predicting behaviour, intention predicted behaviour in both groups, whilst past behaviour predicted behaviour in the high implementation intentions group only. This study found some interesting results that could be used by health-care professionals in the promotion of exercise participation, and in program development.