Active transportation prediction using Theory of Planned Behavior among college students

Rates of physical inactivity have been on the rise in America among all groups of people, including college students. Physical inactivity poses serious health risks. Active transportation (AT) is commuting under one’s own power. Examples of AT include bicycling and walking. This mode of transportation may be a helpful tool promoting physical activity. The purpose of this study was to describe predictors of active transportation behavior among University of Cincinnati students. Students were selected through the UC Registrar’s office and were emailed the survey instrument. Significant differences for all Theory of Planned Behavior constructs were seen between AT users and non-AT users except the distal construct, perceived behavioral control and its corresponding proximal constructs. A regression model predicting AT use with only Theory of Planned behavior constructs accounted for 11% of explained variation in AT use. However, when other variables were added to the regression model, 51% explanation was achieved. The final model included subjective norms, age, perceived behavioral control, and transportation type and destination. This research provides useful insight to explaining AT behavior that heretofore has not been done. Applications for this knowledge may include promoting physical activity, safety for AT users or general understanding of AT use.

Name thesis:degree_name

MS

Level thesis:degree_level

masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services: Health Education

Grantor dc:publisher

University of Cincinnati

Year dc:date

2012

Author dc:creator

• Chaney, Robert A.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Bernard, Amy
• Wilson, Bradley

• Health Education
• Active transportation
• biking
• walking
• theory of planned behavior
• physical activity
• non-motorized transportation

Statement dc:rights

• unrestricted
• This thesis or dissertation is protected by copyright: all rights reserved. It may not be copied or redistributed beyond the terms of applicable copyright laws.

Language dc:language

English

Repository record dc:identifier

http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1357659177

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:etd.ohiolink.edu:ucin1357659177