Abstract
Engagement in weekly physical activity can become difficult when demanding circumstances disrupt goals. While research has examined general demands to physical activity (e.g., lack of time), less is known about unexpected demands. These include unforeseen circumstances that may not be considered at the time goals are set (e.g., increased workload). This study explored the prevalence and nature of unexpected demands and goal responses among individuals who set weekly physical activity goals over time. Participants completed three online surveys over three months (Time 1: Mage=36.1±12.3 years, N=200; Time 2: N=93; Time 3: N=60). Eligibility at each timepoint required both setting a weekly physical activity goal and experiencing unexpected demand(s) in the same week. At each timepoint, participants reported their unexpected demand(s), and whether they met, revised, or abandoned their weekly goal. Those who revised their goal identified revision strategies including adjusting the frequency, duration, or type of activity. Participant-reported unexpected demands were analyzed using content analysis. A codebook was developed deductively from existing literature and inductively from Time 1 responses, then applied to Times 2 and 3. Across timepoints, participants reported a total of 517 unexpected demands, the most frequent being work responsibilities (n=120), family responsibilities (n=82), and personal illness (n=68). Revising the weekly goal was the most common response to unexpected demands, reported by 48.5% of participants. Of those who revised their goal, 93.5% adjusted activity frequency. This study identified unexpected demands and responses that may shape physical activity goal pursuit, offering insights to inform adaptive engagement strategies.
