Protection Motivation Theory-Based Beliefs Predicts Adolescents' Physical Activity and Intention

Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Exhibit Hall Poster Area 2 (Convention Center)
Chaoqun Huang, Wayland Baptist University, Plainview, TX and Zan Gao, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN

Background/Purpose: According to protection motivation theory (PMT), PMT constructs are significantly associated with physical activity (PA) intention and behaviors. This study examined PMT constructs' predictive strengths on PA intention and behavior among adolescents.

Method: A total of 226 seventh to ninth grade adolescents (109 boys, Mage=13.4) completed a 2-week PMT-based motivational intervention by reading a leaflet containing factual information about overweight/obesity and the effects of PA on preventing the health threat. Adolescents' PMT constructs and PA intention were measured shortly after the intervention. Their self-reported PA behaviors were measured 2 weeks later.

Analysis/Results: Hierarchical regression revealed the entire PMT model accounted for 19% of variance in PA behavior (intention: F(1,224)=10.93, R2=.05, p<.01; PMT constructs: F(5,219)=4.82, R2=.14, p<.01). Specifically, intention was a significant predictor of PA in Block 1 (β = .30, p <.01). Assessment of PMT constructs in Block 2 revealed perceived vulnerability (β = -.25, p <.01) and response costs (β = -.29, p <.05) to be significant predictors of PA behaviors. Additionally, PMT variables explained 39% of variance in intention (F(5,220)=27.85, p<.01). Self-efficacy (β = .40, p <.01), response efficacy (β = .17, p <.05), and response costs (β = -.47, p <.01) emerged as significant predictors of PA intention.

Conclusions: The findings provide evidence for the utility of using PMT as a PA promotion approach among adolescents. PA interventions should concentrate on providing positive coping information to raise children's PA self-efficacy and their beliefs about PA benefits, as well as reducing cost perception of PA.