The Influence of Chronically Accessible Autonomous and Controlling Motives on Physical Activity Within an Extended Theory of Planned Behavior

An extended theory of planned behavior (Ajzen, 1991), incorporating the post-decisional phase of behavior and constructs from self-determination theory (Deci & Ryan, 1985), was tested for physical activity using a prospective survey design. Participants (N = 172) completed measures of intentions, attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control (PBC), self-determined motivation, continua-tion intentions, and chronically accessible physical activity motives. Participants completed a self-report measure of physical activity 3 weeks later. Path analysis supported the predictive utility of the proposed model. Importantly, the effect of continuation intentions of success on physical activity behavior was moderated by chronically accessible physical activity motives. Findings underscore the importance of taking into account continuation intentions, self-determined motivation, and individuals ’ chronically accessible motives when developing physical-activity-promoting interventions.japp_721 445..470 Increasing rates of obesity in America and Europe are incurring severe health-related consequences and necessitate large-scale behavioral dietar