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Open Access 01-10-2012

Does action planning moderate the intention-habit interaction in the exercise domain? A three-way interaction analysis investigation

Authors: Gert-Jan de Bruijn, Ryan E. Rhodes, Liesbeth van Osch

Published in: Journal of Behavioral Medicine | Issue 5/2012

Abstract

Both habit strength and action planning have been found to moderate the intention-exercise behaviour relationship, but no research exists that has investigated how habit strength and action planning simultaneously influence this relationship. The present study was designed to explore this issue in a prospective sample of undergraduate students (N = 415): action planning, habit strength, intention, attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control were assessed at baseline and exercise behaviour was assessed 2 weeks later. Both habit strength and action planning moderated the intention-exercise relationship, with stronger relationship at higher levels of planning or habit strength. Decomposing a significant action planning × habit strength × intention interaction showed that the strength of the intention-exercise relationship progressed linearly through levels of action planning and habit strength. These novel results show that action planning strengthens the intention-habit strength interaction in the exercise domain: exercise interventions should therefore focus on simultaneously bolstering action planning and habit strength.

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Title: Does action planning moderate the intention-habit interaction in the exercise domain? A three-way interaction analysis investigation
Authors: Gert-Jan de Bruijn
Ryan E. Rhodes
Liesbeth van Osch
Publication date: 01-10-2012
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Behavioral Medicine / Issue 5/2012
Print ISSN: 0160-7715
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3521
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10865-011-9380-2

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Does action planning moderate the intention-habit interaction in the exercise domain? A three-way interaction analysis investigation

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