Prediction of leisure-time walking: an integration of social cognitive, perceived environmental, and personality factors

Participants were a random sample (N = 358) of Canadian adults who completed measures of the TPB, planning, perceived neighbourhood environment, and personality at Time 1 and self-reported walking behaviour two months later.Analyses using structural equation modelling provided evidence that leisure-time walking is largely predicted by intention (standardized effect = .42) with an additional independent contribution from proximity to neighbourhood retail shops (standardized effect = .18). Intention, in turn, was predicted by attitudes toward walking and perceived behavioural control. Effects of perceived neighbourhood aesthetics and walking infrastructure on walking were mediated through attitudes and intention. Moderated regression analysis showed that the intention-walking relationship was moderated by conscientiousness and proximity to neighbourhood recreation facilities but not planning.Overall, walking behaviour is theoretically complex but may best be addressed at a population level by facilitating strong intentions in a receptive environment even though individual differences may persist.Physical activity (PA) promotion is a public health priority. PA itself, however, is a collection of behaviours and the promotion of specific modalities may be important. Walking behaviour has received recent attention based on its physical [1,2] and psychological [3] health benefits and its high preference in terms of activity choice among adults [4]. These aspects suggest that promotion of regular walking should be the primary focus of population-based PA promotion efforts.PA promotion should be theory-based [5,6]. One theory that has been extensively validated in the PA domain is Ajzen's [7] theory of planned behaviour (TPB) [8]. The TPB proposes that the final pathway to behaviour is intention: one's overall motivation to perform the behaviour. Intentions, however, can only be carried out in a receptive environment over which the person has control. An objective measure of