Abstract
Individuals with stronger exercise identity (EXID) report more exercise and greater strength of self-regulatory cognitions like self-efficacy than low-identity counterparts (Strachan et al., 2009). While EXID is strongly related to moderate-to-vigorous exercise (mod+) volume, it is unknown whether EXID and self-regulatory cognitions discriminate individuals who meet/do not meet Canadian guidelines (i.e., 150 minutes/week mod+ exercise; CSEP, 2011). We examined 233 university students active at different levels. Their EXID, self-regulatory efficacy, perseverance, strategies to stay active and strength of use were assessed. A logistic regression was performed. The full model was significant, ?2 (5, N = 233) = 48.92, p < .001, and discriminated participants who met/did not meet guidelines. The model explained 25.7% (Nagelkerke R square) of the variance and correctly classified 73.4% of cases. All predictors except the number of strategies contributed significantly with EXID being the strongest. Results support complementary use of identity and social cognitive theory and suggest that individuals with stronger levels of EXID and self-regulatory cognitions are at a motivational advantage for being active at the recommended guideline level.Acknowledgments: Support from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) is gratefully acknowledged.