Relationship between the intention–behavior gap and self-efficacy for physical activity during childhood. (March 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Isa, Tsunenori; Ueda, Yuya; Nakamura, Ryo; Misu, Shogo; Ono, Rei
• Is Part Of: Journal of child health care. Volume 23:Number 1(2019)
• Page Start: 79
• Page End: 86
• Publication Date: 2019-03
• Subjects: Children -- physical activity -- self-efficacy -- theory of planned behavior; Pediatric nursing -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; Child health services -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; 618.9200231
• DOI: 10.1177/1367493518777297
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1367-4935

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship of a gap between the intent to be physically active and actual participation in physical activity ('intention–behavior gap') and self-efficacy for physical activity during childhood. A self-report questionnaire was used to collect information from 946 children from the fourth and sixth grades in Japan on self-efficacy, intention, and physical activity. Children with an intention–behavior gap (high intent–low activity or low intent–high activity) had higher self-efficacy scores than those with low intent and low activity (27.66 or 27.65 vs. 21.69; p < .001). They had lower self-efficacy scores than those with high intent and high activity (27.66 or 27.65 vs. 30.56; p < .001). Children with an intention–behavior gap had lower self-efficacy for physical activity than those who intended to be and were physically active. Such children may benefit from education interventions that focus on improving self-efficacy.