Testing and extending predictions of the trans-contextual model for leisure-time physical activity in middle school students

Abstract

Social-cognition approaches (e.g., the theory of planned behavior) and motivational theories (e.g., self-determination theory) have been utilized to identify the determinants of health behavior. Research applying these theories is focused on the conscious and deliberative correlates of motivated behavior. The purpose of the current dissertation was to test and develop an integrated theoretical model, known as the trans-contextual model, to identify the determinants of students’ leisure-time physical activity and the processes involved (Hagger et al., 2003). Even though there is an expanding body of research broadly supporting the application of the trans-contextual model to the prediction of leisure-time physical activity behavior in school students, the model does not consider the potential effects of constructs that represent non-conscious or automatic processes on physical activity behavior. The dissertation aimed to fill this research gap by including factors proposed to be unique predictors of behavior within the model independent of the intention-mediated effects of the social cognition and motivational constructs from the model. Specifically, past behavior, habit, trait self-control, and attitude were introduced in the model and their effects on behavior were proposed to represent a non-conscious or automatic process (Strack & Deutsch, 2004) alongside the deliberative processes proposed in the original model. The dissertation research indicates that the trans-contextual model is effective in predicting behavioral intentions, but the question that arises is whether it may predict physical activity behavior, and behavioral change, among middle school students. Amending the model with constructs that represent non-conscious, automatic processes shows promise in the prediction of physical activity within the model, given the importance of both reasoned and non-conscious, automatic processes. Strengths of the dissertation include reliance on advanced methodology and prospective designs accounting also for change over time. Limitations of the thesis include a reliance on correlational designs that limit capacity to infer causality and use of self-reports as a source of information.