Abstract
The intention–behavior relationship is well established in physical activity (PA) research, yet the intention-behaviour discrepancy is still high. A meta-analysis has revealed extraversion, neuroticism and conscientiousness to be correlates of PA. Another review has identified physical environmental factors such as convenience and location to correlate with PA. The purpose of this study was to explore constructs that are not as mutable as social-cognitive variables which could PA behaviour, notably personality facets and the physical environment. Participants were a random sample of 263 undergraduate students who completed predictor measures at baseline, followed by exercise behaviour after two weeks. Participants were categorized under action-control definitions, which identifies intentions and success possibilities. The categories included: (1) non-intenders (n=31), (2) unsuccessful intenders (n=78), and (3) successful intenders (n=107). It was found that scores on personality facets and aesthetics significantly differed between the action control groups F(4,213)=5.9, (p<0.001). Pairwise comparisons with LSD corrections revealed that activity scores significantly differed when successful intenders were compared with both non-intenders (p<0.001) and unsuccessful intenders (p<0.05). Proximity of exercise facility was significantly different between non-intenders and successful intenders (p < 0.001) and aesthetic scores significantly differed between successful intenders and unsuccessful intenders (p < 0.001). Although personality traits are stable, the significant results on the physical environment constructs suggests that they could be an additional drive for intention. Proximal distance provides convenience or visual cue of exercise facility, which can promote PA. In addition, a welcoming environment with pleasant aesthetics could make PA more appealing to unsuccessful intenders.
