Dose-response : a publication of International Hormesis Society
Behavioral interventions could lead to changes in behavior through changes in a mediator. This do... more Behavioral interventions could lead to changes in behavior through changes in a mediator. This dose-response relationship might only hold true for those participants who are actively engaged in interventions. This Internet study investigated the role of engagement in a planning intervention to promote fruit and vegetable consumption in addition to testing the intervention effect on planning and behavior. A sample of 701 adults (mean = 38.71 years, 81% women) were randomly assigned either to a planning intervention (experimental group) or to one of 2 control conditions (untreated waiting list control group or placebo active control group). Moderated mediation analyses were carried out. Significant changes over time and time × group effects revealed the effectiveness of the intervention. The effect of the intervention (time 1) on changes in behavior (time 3; 1 month after the personal deadline study participants set for themselves to start implementing their plans) was mediated by cha...
Planning can bridge the gap between intentions and action, but what bridges the gap between plann... more Planning can bridge the gap between intentions and action, but what bridges the gap between planning and action? This study helps to answer the question by disentangling the interrelationships between self-efficacy, planning and preparatory behaviours in predicting physical activity. Preparatory behaviours are tested as a working mechanism of planning. Moreover, it is tested whether the utility of preparatory behaviours depends on an individual's level of self-efficacy. A survey assessed planning, self-efficacy and preparatory behaviours for physical activity. Adults (N = 166) provided data at two measurement points. In a longitudinal model, preparatory behaviours were specified as a mediator between planning and physical activity. Self-efficacy was specified as a possible moderator at two points in the model. Preparatory behaviours mediated the relationship between planning and physical activity. An interaction between self-efficacy and preparatory behaviours on physical activi...
When people intend and plan to perform higher levels of physical activity, they do not start on i... more When people intend and plan to perform higher levels of physical activity, they do not start on impulse without preparing. Thus, preparation is a behavioral construct positioned between planning and target behavior. This may be reflected by the acquisition of sports equipment as well as monitoring devices such as pedometers. The research questions are who takes such preparatory action, whether picking up a complimentary pedometer can be predicted by self-efficacy and outcome expectancies, and whether this kind of preparatory action facilitates subsequent physical activity. A longitudinal physical activity survey was conducted with 143 university students who were offered a complimentary pedometer. Collecting this free gift served as indicator of preparatory behavior. Outcome expectancies and self-efficacy beliefs were specified as predictors of this behavior. Two weeks later, physical activity differences between the groups were determined. Collecting the pedometer was associated with higher levels of physical activity at follow-up. Outcome expectancies failed to predict the pedometer collection, but self-efficacy did. An interaction between these two factors indicated that self-efficacy compensated for low outcome expectancies. Pedometer acquisition signifies a preparatory action that is facilitated by self-efficacy. Positioned between planning and target behavior, they constitute a proximal self-regulatory step towards health behavior change.
ABSTRACT Objective Many people do not behave in line with their self-imposed goal to be more phys... more ABSTRACT Objective Many people do not behave in line with their self-imposed goal to be more physically active. To bridge this intention-behavior gap, detailed planning is regarded as being instrumental. Moreover, preparatory actions are supposed to facilitate physical activity in conjunction with planning. Thus, preparatory actions are seen as mediators between intention and behaviors. The present study examines whether intention is translated into physical activity stepwise via planning as well as via preparatory actions. Methods At three points in time, physical activity, planning, preparatory actions, and the intention to be physically active were assessed in 338 participants. By means of structural equation modeling, it was examined whether the pathway from intention to physical activity includes a mediating sequence of planning as well as preparatory actions. Results The sequential mediation model confirmed pathways from intention to planning, from planning to preparatory behaviors, and from preparatory behaviors to follow-up physical activity, while controlling for baseline indicators. Furthermore, there was an indirect effect of intention on preparatory actions via planning, an indirect effect of planning on physical activity via preparatory actions, and an indirect effect of intention on physical activity via planning and preparatory actions thus, confirming the hypothesized sequence. Conclusions Individuals who are motivated to be physically active are likely to make a plan, and if they do so, they are more likely to take preparatory actions, resulting in a higher chance to perform the target behavior.
The effects of self-efficacy beliefs on physical activity are well documented, but much less is k... more The effects of self-efficacy beliefs on physical activity are well documented, but much less is known about the origins of self-efficacy beliefs. This article proposes scales to assess the sources of self-efficacy for physical activity aims and to comparatively test their predictive power for physical activity via self-efficacy over time to detect the principal sources of self-efficacy beliefs for physical activity. Method: A study of 1,406 German adults aged 16 -90 years was conducted to construct scales to assess the sources of self-efficacy for physical activity (Study 1). In Study 2, the scales' predictive validity for self-efficacy and physical activity was tested in a sample of 310 older German adults. Results: Short, reliable and valid instruments to measure six sources of self-efficacy for physical activity were developed that enable researchers to comparatively test the predictive value of the sources of self-efficacy. Conclusion: The results suggest that mastery experience, self-persuasion, and reduction in negative affective states are the most important predictors of self-efficacy for physical activity in community-dwelling older adults.
When it comes to the adoption or maintenance of physical activity, individuals can be placed alon... more When it comes to the adoption or maintenance of physical activity, individuals can be placed along a continuum or into stages of change. The Health Action Process Approach proposes three such stages: non-intentional, intentional and actional. Intraindividual differences are reflected by stage transitions: either progression or regression. The present study examines social-cognitive factors of stage transitions: outcome expectancies, selfefficacy and planning. In an online study on physical activity, 660 adults completed questionnaires at baseline and approximately 3 weeks later. Social-cognitive factors were converted into standardized residual change scores to account for changes in outcome expectancies, self-efficacy and planning within the observation period. Discriminant function analyses revealed stagespecific patterns: progression out of nonintentional stage was associated with self-efficacy increases. Out of intentional stage, regression was correlated with decreases in planning, whereas progression was linked to increases in self-efficacy and planning. Regression from action stage was associated with decreases in self-efficacy. Physical activity promotion should focus on improving self-efficacy for non-intending, intending and acting individuals, whereas planning interventions are recommended for intending individuals. Interventions may be more effective by considering specific mechanisms instead of providing generic interventions for all individuals at different stages.
Many individuals are motivated to improve their physical activity levels but often fail to act on... more Many individuals are motivated to improve their physical activity levels but often fail to act on their good intention. This study examines the roles of planning and self-efficacy in the prediction of physical activity. A total of 290 participants (77% women, mean age = 41.9 years) were surveyed three times. Intentions, planning, and physical activity were specified as a mediator chain. Results reveal that intentions were partly translated into physical activity by planning. Self-efficacy moderated this mediation, reflected by a planning × self-efficacy interaction (p < .05) on physical activity accounting for 16% of the variance in behavior. If a person is self-efficacious, planning seems more likely to be translated into physical activity.
Objectives. Experiencing positive consequences of one's physical activity is supposed to facilita... more Objectives. Experiencing positive consequences of one's physical activity is supposed to facilitate further activity. This motivational outcome might be generated by an increase in perceived self-efficacy. In addition to such a mediator effect, we examine whether this applies generally or only under conditions of volitional control. For this purpose, perceived action control was considered as a putative moderator.
Dose-response : a publication of International Hormesis Society
Behavioral interventions could lead to changes in behavior through changes in a mediator. This do... more Behavioral interventions could lead to changes in behavior through changes in a mediator. This dose-response relationship might only hold true for those participants who are actively engaged in interventions. This Internet study investigated the role of engagement in a planning intervention to promote fruit and vegetable consumption in addition to testing the intervention effect on planning and behavior. A sample of 701 adults (mean = 38.71 years, 81% women) were randomly assigned either to a planning intervention (experimental group) or to one of 2 control conditions (untreated waiting list control group or placebo active control group). Moderated mediation analyses were carried out. Significant changes over time and time × group effects revealed the effectiveness of the intervention. The effect of the intervention (time 1) on changes in behavior (time 3; 1 month after the personal deadline study participants set for themselves to start implementing their plans) was mediated by cha...
Planning can bridge the gap between intentions and action, but what bridges the gap between plann... more Planning can bridge the gap between intentions and action, but what bridges the gap between planning and action? This study helps to answer the question by disentangling the interrelationships between self-efficacy, planning and preparatory behaviours in predicting physical activity. Preparatory behaviours are tested as a working mechanism of planning. Moreover, it is tested whether the utility of preparatory behaviours depends on an individual's level of self-efficacy. A survey assessed planning, self-efficacy and preparatory behaviours for physical activity. Adults (N = 166) provided data at two measurement points. In a longitudinal model, preparatory behaviours were specified as a mediator between planning and physical activity. Self-efficacy was specified as a possible moderator at two points in the model. Preparatory behaviours mediated the relationship between planning and physical activity. An interaction between self-efficacy and preparatory behaviours on physical activi...
When people intend and plan to perform higher levels of physical activity, they do not start on i... more When people intend and plan to perform higher levels of physical activity, they do not start on impulse without preparing. Thus, preparation is a behavioral construct positioned between planning and target behavior. This may be reflected by the acquisition of sports equipment as well as monitoring devices such as pedometers. The research questions are who takes such preparatory action, whether picking up a complimentary pedometer can be predicted by self-efficacy and outcome expectancies, and whether this kind of preparatory action facilitates subsequent physical activity. A longitudinal physical activity survey was conducted with 143 university students who were offered a complimentary pedometer. Collecting this free gift served as indicator of preparatory behavior. Outcome expectancies and self-efficacy beliefs were specified as predictors of this behavior. Two weeks later, physical activity differences between the groups were determined. Collecting the pedometer was associated with higher levels of physical activity at follow-up. Outcome expectancies failed to predict the pedometer collection, but self-efficacy did. An interaction between these two factors indicated that self-efficacy compensated for low outcome expectancies. Pedometer acquisition signifies a preparatory action that is facilitated by self-efficacy. Positioned between planning and target behavior, they constitute a proximal self-regulatory step towards health behavior change.
ABSTRACT Objective Many people do not behave in line with their self-imposed goal to be more phys... more ABSTRACT Objective Many people do not behave in line with their self-imposed goal to be more physically active. To bridge this intention-behavior gap, detailed planning is regarded as being instrumental. Moreover, preparatory actions are supposed to facilitate physical activity in conjunction with planning. Thus, preparatory actions are seen as mediators between intention and behaviors. The present study examines whether intention is translated into physical activity stepwise via planning as well as via preparatory actions. Methods At three points in time, physical activity, planning, preparatory actions, and the intention to be physically active were assessed in 338 participants. By means of structural equation modeling, it was examined whether the pathway from intention to physical activity includes a mediating sequence of planning as well as preparatory actions. Results The sequential mediation model confirmed pathways from intention to planning, from planning to preparatory behaviors, and from preparatory behaviors to follow-up physical activity, while controlling for baseline indicators. Furthermore, there was an indirect effect of intention on preparatory actions via planning, an indirect effect of planning on physical activity via preparatory actions, and an indirect effect of intention on physical activity via planning and preparatory actions thus, confirming the hypothesized sequence. Conclusions Individuals who are motivated to be physically active are likely to make a plan, and if they do so, they are more likely to take preparatory actions, resulting in a higher chance to perform the target behavior.
The effects of self-efficacy beliefs on physical activity are well documented, but much less is k... more The effects of self-efficacy beliefs on physical activity are well documented, but much less is known about the origins of self-efficacy beliefs. This article proposes scales to assess the sources of self-efficacy for physical activity aims and to comparatively test their predictive power for physical activity via self-efficacy over time to detect the principal sources of self-efficacy beliefs for physical activity. Method: A study of 1,406 German adults aged 16 -90 years was conducted to construct scales to assess the sources of self-efficacy for physical activity (Study 1). In Study 2, the scales' predictive validity for self-efficacy and physical activity was tested in a sample of 310 older German adults. Results: Short, reliable and valid instruments to measure six sources of self-efficacy for physical activity were developed that enable researchers to comparatively test the predictive value of the sources of self-efficacy. Conclusion: The results suggest that mastery experience, self-persuasion, and reduction in negative affective states are the most important predictors of self-efficacy for physical activity in community-dwelling older adults.
When it comes to the adoption or maintenance of physical activity, individuals can be placed alon... more When it comes to the adoption or maintenance of physical activity, individuals can be placed along a continuum or into stages of change. The Health Action Process Approach proposes three such stages: non-intentional, intentional and actional. Intraindividual differences are reflected by stage transitions: either progression or regression. The present study examines social-cognitive factors of stage transitions: outcome expectancies, selfefficacy and planning. In an online study on physical activity, 660 adults completed questionnaires at baseline and approximately 3 weeks later. Social-cognitive factors were converted into standardized residual change scores to account for changes in outcome expectancies, self-efficacy and planning within the observation period. Discriminant function analyses revealed stagespecific patterns: progression out of nonintentional stage was associated with self-efficacy increases. Out of intentional stage, regression was correlated with decreases in planning, whereas progression was linked to increases in self-efficacy and planning. Regression from action stage was associated with decreases in self-efficacy. Physical activity promotion should focus on improving self-efficacy for non-intending, intending and acting individuals, whereas planning interventions are recommended for intending individuals. Interventions may be more effective by considering specific mechanisms instead of providing generic interventions for all individuals at different stages.
Many individuals are motivated to improve their physical activity levels but often fail to act on... more Many individuals are motivated to improve their physical activity levels but often fail to act on their good intention. This study examines the roles of planning and self-efficacy in the prediction of physical activity. A total of 290 participants (77% women, mean age = 41.9 years) were surveyed three times. Intentions, planning, and physical activity were specified as a mediator chain. Results reveal that intentions were partly translated into physical activity by planning. Self-efficacy moderated this mediation, reflected by a planning × self-efficacy interaction (p < .05) on physical activity accounting for 16% of the variance in behavior. If a person is self-efficacious, planning seems more likely to be translated into physical activity.
Objectives. Experiencing positive consequences of one's physical activity is supposed to facilita... more Objectives. Experiencing positive consequences of one's physical activity is supposed to facilitate further activity. This motivational outcome might be generated by an increase in perceived self-efficacy. In addition to such a mediator effect, we examine whether this applies generally or only under conditions of volitional control. For this purpose, perceived action control was considered as a putative moderator.
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Papers by Linda Parschau