The roles of behavioral and implementation intentions in changing physical activity in young children with low socioeconomic status

Christopher J. Armitage, Christine A. Sprigg

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    Abstract

    There is a dearth of research examining physical activity in children aged 6-10 years with low socioeconomic status, despite the fact there is good reason to suspect this is a critical period when physical activity habits are created. Physical activity and theory of planned behavior variables were measured at three time points, and children (N = 77) randomized to the experimental condition were additionally asked to form an implementation intention. Intention was a potent mediator of the past behavior-future behavior relationship and the implementation intention intervention significantly increased physical activity compared with the control condition. The findings suggest that physical activity can be increased in children aged 6-10 years with low socioeconomic status and that implementation intentions might enhance the effectiveness of children's physical activity programs. © 2010 Human Kinetics, Inc.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)359-376
    Number of pages17
    JournalJournal of Sport and Exercise Psychology
    Volume32
    Issue number3
    Publication statusPublished - Jun 2010

    Keywords

    • Implementation intentions
    • Low socioeconomic status
    • Physical activity
    • Theory of planned behavior
    • Young children

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