Focusing on Major Influences
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Path modelling
Given the very large number of factors and questions involved in the study, it is helpful to have some guidance as to which factors might have the greatest influence on physical activity behaviour.
To do this, we followed the American Cancer Society example (Porter Novelli, 2002) of using path modelling (a type of regression analysis).
Consistent with the American Cancer Society results, we find that self-efficacy (confidence about being able to do specified levels of physical activity) has a strong relationship with levels of physical activity.
We also find intrinsic types of motivation (e.g. enjoying physical activity) are significantly related to differences in physical activity levels whereas extrinsic motivations (e.g. doing physical activity to get approval from others) are not.
These results suggest that increasing self-efficacy and intrinsic motivation are likely to be useful campaign approaches.
Intrinsic motivation is particularly related to differences in health expectancies and other perceived benefits, and hence these might be targeted to increase intrinsic motivation.
Self-efficacy is particularly related to several perceived barriers, and hence work on reducing these barriers might help to increase self-efficacy.
Further details are contained in the separate Technical Report.
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Updated | 03 Jul 2008.
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