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Understanding Physical Activity Intentions and Behavior in Postmenopausal Women: An Application of the Theory of Planned Behavior

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Abstract

Background

In the present paper, we report the social cognitive correlates of physical activity (PA) intentions in postmenopausal women using the two-component theory of planned behavior (TPB) framework.

Purpose

The primary objective of the present study was to investigate the utility of the TPB in understanding PA behavior in postmenopausal women.

Method

Postmenopausal women (N = 297) residing in Southern Alberta, Canada completed a mailed questionnaire that assessed self-reported PA and TPB constructs.

Results

Data indicated that 67% of postmenopausal women intended to engage in PA behavior consistent with the public health PA guidelines. Multiple regression analysis suggested that the TPB model explained 44% of the variance in PA intentions with instrumental attitude (β = 0.33), affective attitude (β = 0.29), descriptive norm (β = 0.19), and self-efficacy (β = 0.24) making significant contributions to PA intentions. Postmenopausal women meeting PA guidelines reported higher scores across all TPB variables when compared to women not meeting PA guidelines. Unique behavioral, normative, and control beliefs were also elicited.

Conclusion

The two-component TPB framework appears to be a useful model for understanding PA intentions and behavior in postmenopausal women. These data can be used in the development and establishment of PA behavior intervention and health promotion materials designed to facilitate PA intentions and behavior in postmenopausal women.

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Acknowledgments

This study was supported by a research incentive grant from Athabasca University.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre for Nursing and Health Studies, Athabasca University, Athabasca, AB, Canada, T6G-2H9

    Jeff K. Vallance & Terra C. Murray

  2. Centre for Nursing and Health Studies, Athabasca University, Athabasca, AB, Canada, T9S-3A3

    Steven T. Johnson

  3. Faculty of Kinesiology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA

    Steriani Elavsky

  4. Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research Population Health Investigator and Canadian Institutes of Health Research New Investigator, Centre for Nursing and Health Studies, Faculty of Health Disciplines, Athabasca University, 1 University Drive, Athabasca, AB, T9S-3A3, Canada

    Jeff K. Vallance

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  1. Jeff K. Vallance
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Correspondence to Jeff K. Vallance.

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Vallance, J.K., Murray, T.C., Johnson, S.T. et al. Understanding Physical Activity Intentions and Behavior in Postmenopausal Women: An Application of the Theory of Planned Behavior. Int.J. Behav. Med. 18, 139–149 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12529-010-9100-2

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