A series of n-of-1 studies examining the interrelationships between social cognitive theory constructs and physical activity behaviour within individuals

Graeme Smith, Lynn Williams, Christopher O'Donnell, Jim McKechnie

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

7 Citations (Scopus)
144 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Objectives
Research supports the ability of Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) to explain physical activity (PA) behaviour, but most studies have examined this theory between individuals in large group studies. The aim of the present study was to examine the interrelationships between SCT constructs and PA within individuals of varying activity levels.

Design
correlational n-of-1 studies.

Methods
Six adults aged 29-65 with varying levels of PA provided daily measures of PA, and completed probe measures over a four-week period of SCT constructs (e.g. barrier self-efficacy, goal setting, planning, social support, outcome expectations, perceived barriers, enjoyment). Data were analysed using cross-correlational time series analysis.

Results
Cross-correlation analysis showed that at least one SCT construct was associated with PA in five participants, although no individual had the same pattern of associations across the study. On some occasions, SCT constructs predicted subsequent PA, but at other times, PA engagement caused a subsequent change in the SCT construct. There were also examples of PA and SCT constructs being concurrently associated.

Conclusions
SCT factors are associated with variations in PA behaviour, but the cause and effect of these relationships within individuals is complex.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)255-270
Number of pages16
JournalPsychology & Health
Volume34
Issue number3
Early online date8 Oct 2018
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 8 Oct 2018

Keywords

  • n-of-1 methods
  • physical activity
  • social cognitions

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