Conscientiousness and the Transtheoretical Model of Change in Exercise: Integrating Trait and Social Cognitive Frameworks in the Prediction of Behavior

Relationships between conscientiousness-related traits and transtheoretical model (TTM) of change constructs, exercise self-efficacy, and exercise behavior were examined concurrently and prospectively in college and community samples (N&barbelow; = 613) using self-reported and observer ratings. Measures of the conscientiousness-related traits of conventionality (e.g., traditional), decisiveness (e.g., consistent), industriousness (e.g., thorough), and reliability (e.g., dependable) were expected to show positive relations with measures of exercise behavior stage location, processes of exercise behavior change, endorsing the benefits of exercise behavior (i.e., decisional balance), exercise self-efficacy, and self-reported exercise behavior. In addition, an intervening role was predicted for TTM constructs and exercise self-efficacy in the relationship between conscientiousness-related traits and exercise behavior stage location. Longitudinal analyses were used to examine patterns and predictors of exercise behavior stage location. Across self- and observer reports, the results showed industriousness (being hard-working) to be the most robust conscientiousness-related predictor of stage location, processes of change, endorsing the benefits of exercise behavior, exercise self-efficacy, and exercise behavior. Concurrent and prospective mediation analyses showed the relationship between industriousness and exercise behavior stage location to be partially accounted for by selected processes of change and exercise self-efficacy scales. Analyses of exercise behavior stage location over time showed stage location to be stable, but with significant within individual variation accounted for by sex and the counter-conditioning (replacing inactivity with exercise) process of change. The results are discussed in terms of a useful multi-method integration of trait and social cognitive approaches to exercise behavior, with emphasis on the role of industriousness as an important individual difference factor therein.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Psychology

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2015

Author dc:creator

• Bogg, Timothy D.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Brent Roberts

• Health Sciences, Recreation

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier

(MiAaPQ)AAI3223546

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/82104