Using integrated model of behavioral prediction to identify the most predictive determinants of college students' intention to do regular vigorous exercise
Date
2018
Authors
Chen, Hsin, author
Sivakumar, Gayathri, advisor
Long, Marilee, committee member
Leach, Heather, committee member
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Abstract
This study aimed to use the Integrative Model of Behavioral Prediction (IMBP) to identify the strongest predictors of college student's intention to do vigorous exercise regularly. The results of the study will be useful for health communicators to design messages and campaigns more effectively and further promote college students' exercise intention. In the first phase of study, a small convenience sample of undergraduates (n=19) were asked to indicate their beliefs about doing vigorous exercise regularly with an open-ended questionnaire. After analyzing the qualitative responses by using content analysis, the most salient beliefs were used to design a close-ended survey in the second phase of study. The survey included the questions regarding the salient beliefs and exercise-related attitude, perceived norm, self-efficacy and intention. In the second phase, a larger sample of undergraduates (n=183) participated in the survey. The major findings showed that: (1) college students' exercise intention could be predicted by their attitude perceived norm, and self-efficacy. However, perceived norm was a weaker predictor compared to the other two. (2) More specifically, their exercise intention could be best predicted by their affective attitude, injunctive norm, and confidence. (3) In terms of the predictability of beliefs, both college students' behavioral belief and control belief significantly predicted their exercise intention, but normative belief was not predictive. (3) Lastly, the mediation analysis showed that the IMBP is a partial mediation model instead of a full mediation model. The study concluded by discussing its implications and limitations.