%0 Journal Article
%T Does behavioral intention predict physical activity behaviors related to adolescent obesity?
%A Melinda J. Ickes
%A Manoj Sharma
%J Archives of Exercise in Health and Disease
%D 2012
%I Research Centre in Physical Activity, Health and Leisure (CIAFEL)
%X Objective: According to the Theory of Planned Behavior, the single best predictor of a person¡¯s behavior is their intention to perform that behavior, Predictive factors of intention include attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. The purpose of this study was to examine the extent to which behavioral intention predicted physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviors linked to childhood obesity. Design: A convenience sample of 318 middle school students were administered a129-item valid and reliable instrument. Multiple regression was used to establish predictors for each behavior. Results: The mean BI scores for participating in less than two hours of screen time per day (M = 12.31, SD = 5.42) and at least 60 minutes of PA per day (M = 12.84, SD = 7.18) denoted a moderate intent to participate in the behavior. However, 25% and 33% of students indicated a weak intention to participate in the respective behaviors. Regression showed BI was predictive for screen time among overweight students, and for participation in PA among all students, (p < 0.05). Conclusion: BI was linked to PA and sedentary behaviors related to obesity prevention in adolescents. On average, students reported moderate intention for each of the behaviors; however, weak intentions existed in over 25% of students, and should be considered when evaluating overall likelihood of participating in the relevant behavior. Students who were overweight or obese had lower intentions to participate in less screen time or more PA, which is important to consider when framing behavior change messages for this population.
%K physical activity
%K sedentary behaviors
%K theory of planned behavior
%K modifiable behaviors
%U http://ciafel.fade.up.pt/aehd/index.php/aehd/article/viewFile/123/123