The utility of a protection motivation theory framework for understanding sedentary behavior

Abstract

Multilevel determinants of sedentary behavior (SB), including\rconstructs couched within evidence-based psychological\rframeworks, can contribute to more efficacious interventions\rdesigned to decrease sitting time. This study aimed to: (1)\rexamine the factor structure and composition of sedentaryderived\rprotection motivation theory (PMT) constructs and (2)\rdetermine the utility of these constructs in predicting general and\rleisure sedentary goal intention (GI), implementation intention (II),\rand self-reported SB. Sedentary-derived PMT (perceived severity,\rPS; perceived vulnerability, PV; response efficacy, RE; self-efficacy,\rSE), GI, and II constructs, and a modified SB questionnaire were\rcompleted by undergraduate students (n = 596). SE was broken\rinto three psychological (productive, focused, tired), and two\rsituational (studying, leisure) constructs to capture the main\rbarriers to reducing sitting time. After completing sociodemographics\rand the PMT items, participants were randomized\rto complete general or leisure GI and II. Based on model\rassignment, they completed either the general or leisure SB\rquestionnaire one week later. Irrespective of model, exploratory\rfollowed by confirmatory factor analysis revealed that the PMT\ritems grouped into eight coherent and interpretable factors\rconsistent with the theory’s threat and coping appraisal tenets:\rPV, PS, RE, and five scheduling SE constructs (tired, productive/\rfocused, TV/video games/computer, studying at home, studying in\rlibrary/Wi-Fi area). Using linear regression, general and leisure\rmodels predicted 5% and 1% of the variance in GI, 10% and 16%\rof the variance in II, and 3% and 1% of the variance in SB,\rrespectively. Variables that made unique and significant\rcontributions were: RE (general) and SE (leisure) for goal intention;\rPV and RE (general), PV, RE, and SE (leisure) for implementation\rintention; and only goal intention (leisure) for SB. Support now\rexists for the tenability of an eight-factor PMT sedentary model\rand its utility in predicting II and to a lesser extent GI and behavior