A theory-based investigation of leisure time physical activity among college students
type: CreativeWork
description: This study examined the leisure time physical activity behavior of college students using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and two constructs, descriptive norm and self-efficacy, from the Integrated Behavioral Model (IBM). A sample of college students (n = 621) from a large, public university in the southeastern United States participated. Data were collected via a self-report class-room based assessment battery. The assessment battery contained questions related to leisure time physical activity, TPB constructs descriptive norm and self-efficacy and demographic information. In general, the results of this research indicate the utility of the TPB in examining leisure time physical activity among college students. In addition, this study supports the inclusion of the IBM constructs descriptive norm and self-efficacy in examining leisure time physical activity. The TPB constructs; attitude, subjective norm and perceived behavioral control were positively associated with intention to engage in leisure time physical activity among this sample of college students. The results of the final hierarchical regression model indicated that subjective norm was negatively associated with leisure time physical activity and intention was positively associated with leisure time physical activity behavior. In addition, the two IBM constructs descriptive norm and self-efficacy were positively associated with leisure time physical activity behavior. Finally, the results also found gender differences in the TPB and IBM constructs. For males, intention and subjective norm were significantly related to leisure time physical activity. For the females, intention, attitude and self-efficacy were significantly related to leisure time physical activity. This research has several implications for researchers and other college health professionals, with an interest in promoting leisure time physical activity. This research provides a better understanding of the leisure time physical activity…
abstract: This study examined the leisure time physical activity behavior of college students using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and two constructs, descriptive norm and self-efficacy, from the Integrated Behavioral Model (IBM). A sample of college students (n = 621) from a large, public university in the southeastern United States participated. Data were collected via a self-report class-room based assessment battery. The assessment battery contained questions related to leisure time physical activity, TPB constructs descriptive norm and self-efficacy and demographic information. In general, the results of this research indicate the utility of the TPB in examining leisure time physical activity among college students. In addition, this study supports the inclusion of the IBM constructs descriptive norm and self-efficacy in examining leisure time physical activity. The TPB constructs; attitude, subjective norm and perceived behavioral control were positively associated with intention to engage in leisure time physical activity among this sample of college students. The results of the final hierarchical regression model indicated that subjective norm was negatively associated with leisure time physical activity and intention was positively associated with leisure time physical activity behavior. In addition, the two IBM constructs descriptive norm and self-efficacy were positively associated with leisure time physical activity behavior. Finally, the results also found gender differences in the TPB and IBM constructs. For males, intention and subjective norm were significantly related to leisure time physical activity. For the females, intention, attitude and self-efficacy were significantly related to leisure time physical activity. This research has several implications for researchers and other college health professionals, with an interest in promoting leisure time physical activity. This research provides a better understanding of the leisure time physical activity…
author: Beville, Jill Marie
language: en_US
language: English
keywords: Health Sciences, Education, Health Sciences, Public Health, Recreation
date published: 2010
date modified: 2026-07-27T18:44:25Z
provider: University of Alabama
publisher: Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations
type: WebPage
source organization: University of Alabama Libraries