ePrints

Bridging the intention-behaviour gap: Planning, self-efficacy, and action control in the adoption and maintenance of physical exercise

Lookup NU author(s): Professor Falko Sniehotta

Downloads

Full text for this publication is not currently held within this repository. Alternative links are provided below where available.

Abstract

Although some people may develop an intention to change their health behaviour, they might not take any action. This discrepancy has been labelled the "intention-behaviour gap.'' Detailed action planning, perceived self-efficacy, and self-regulatory strategies (action control) may mediate between intentions and behaviour. This was examined in a longitudinal sample of 307 cardiac rehabilitation patients who were encouraged to adopt or maintain regular exercise. At the first time point, the predictors of intention and intention itself were assessed. Two months and four months later, the mediators and outcomes were measured. Results confirmed that all the three factors (planning, maintenance self-efficacy, and action control) served to mediate between earlier exercise intentions and later physical activity, each of them making a unique contribution. The results have implications for research on the "intention-behaviour gap,'' and indicate that planning, maintenance self-efficacy and action control may be important volitional variables.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Sniehotta FF, Scholz U, Schwarzer R

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Psychology & Health

Year: 2005

Volume: 20

Issue: 2

Pages: 143-160

ISSN (print): 0887-0446

ISSN (electronic): 1476-8321

Publisher: Routledge

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/08870440512331317670

DOI: 10.1080/08870440512331317670

Altmetrics

Share