The Importance of Autonomous Regulation for Students' Successful Translation of Intentions into Behavior Change via Planning

Abstract

Physical activity has a high prevention potential in adolescents. This study investigated the relations between physical activity and intention, autonomous regulation, and planning. We hypothesized that planning mediates the relationship between intention and behavior and that this mediation should depend on the level of autonomous regulation. Stratified randomization sampling method was administered to assemble a sample of N = 534 students among two schools in China. To test the hypothesis, autonomous regulation, intention, and physical activity were assessed at baseline as well as planning and follow-up physical activity four weeks after the pretest. A moderated mediation model confirmed that planning mediated the intention-behavior relation with the effect of planning being moderated by autonomous regulation. Study results demonstrated that autonomous regulation facilitated the translation of intention into behavior change via planning. To promote physical activity among adolescents, interventions targeting planning and autonomous regulation might facilitate successful translation of intentions into behavior change.

Figure 1

Moderated mediation model: planning as mediator between intention and physical activity behavior, and autonomous regulation moderating this mediation (results from the analyses using the MODMEDC macro Version 2.1; Model 2; cf. [28]; with centered variables). Note. N = 534, *P < .05, autonomous regulation, intention, and baseline behavior (physical activity) measured at baseline, planning and follow-up behavior (physical activity) four weeks later. Physical activity is the index of frequency × duration.

Figure 2

Indirect effect of intentions on behavior by mediation of planning, and the mediation moderated by autonomous regulation.