A1 Journal article (refereed)
Predicting school students’ physical activity intentions in leisure-time and school recess contexts : testing an integrated model based on self-determination theory and theory of planned behavior (2021)
Pasi, H., Lintunen, T., Leskinen, E., & Hagger, M. S. (2021). Predicting school students’ physical activity intentions in leisure-time and school recess contexts : testing an integrated model based on self-determination theory and theory of planned behavior. PLoS ONE, 16(3), Article e0249019. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0249019
JYU authors or editors
Publication details
All authors or editors: Pasi, Heidi; Lintunen, Taru; Leskinen, Esko; Hagger, Martin S.
Journal or series: PLoS ONE
eISSN: 1932-6203
Publication year: 2021
Publication date: 26/03/2021
Volume: 16
Issue number: 3
Article number: e0249019
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Publication country: United States
Publication language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0249019
Publication open access: Openly available
Publication channel open access: Open Access channel
Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/74918
Abstract
Identifying psychological correlates of children’s physical activity intentions may signpost potentially modifiable targets for interventions aimed at promoting physical activity participation. School recess and leisure-time outside of school are appropriate contexts in which such interventions may be delivered. However, few studies have identified correlates of physical activity intentions in these environments. Examining correlates in these contexts may provide formative evidence on which to base interventions to promote physical activity.
Purpose
The current study adopted an integrated theoretical model to test relations between motivational constructs from self-determination theory, social cognition constructs from the theory of planned behavior, and physical activity intentions in leisure-time and school recess contexts.
Methods
Finnish school children (N = 845, M age = 13.93, SD = 0.99) from three lower-secondary schools completed self-report measures of perceived autonomy support by peers, autonomous and controlled motivation, attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and physical activity intentions for both contexts.
Results
Well-fitting structural equation models controlling for past behavior indicated that autonomous motivation in the school recess context and attitude in both contexts were the most pervasive predictors of physical activity intentions, and mediated the relationship between perceived autonomy support and intentions. Multi-group analyses supported invariance of the models in both contexts across gender, grades, and school, with few variations.
Conclusions
The current study supports relations between motivational and social cognition correlates of children’s physical activity intentions in school recess and leisure-time contexts. Future research should extend these findings to the prediction of follow-up participation in physical activity.
Keywords: pupils; upper comprehensive school pupils; physical activity; breaks (between school lessons); leisure; intention; motivation (mental objects); autonomy (cognition); social cognition; peer relationships
Contributing organizations
Ministry reporting: Yes
Reporting Year: 2021
JUFO rating: 1
