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Influences of perceived autonomy support on physical activity within the theory of planned behavior
Author(s) -
Chatzisarantis Nikos L. D.,
Hagger Martin S.,
Smith Brett
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
european journal of social psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.609
H-Index - 111
eISSN - 1099-0992
pISSN - 0046-2772
DOI - 10.1002/ejsp.407
Subject(s) - psychology , autonomy , theory of planned behavior , social psychology , feeling , perception , social support , self determination theory , control (management) , management , neuroscience , political science , law , economics
Three studies tested the contribution of perceived autonomy support to the prediction of health‐related intentions within the theory of planned behavior. Perceived autonomy support refers to the extent to which individuals perceive that significant others encourage choice and participation in decision‐making, provide a meaningful rationale, minimize pressure, and acknowledge the individual's feelings and perspectives. Findings from Studies 1 and 2 demonstrated that perceived autonomy support predicted intentions to participate in physical activity behavior directly and indirectly via attitudes. Perceived autonomy support predicted intention even after statistically controlling for the effects from past behavior, descriptive norms, and perceived social support. Study 3 found that persuasive communications influenced perceptions of autonomy support, attitudes, and intentions. Overall, the findings support the incorporation of perceived autonomy support into the theory of planned behavior. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.