Publication: Predicting Physical Activity Behaviours Among Chinese University Students: An Application Of Expanded Health Action Process Approach
Date
2024-07
Authors
Peng, Sanying
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Abstract
Insufficient physical activity (PA) among Chinese university students has
become widespread and is a major cause of their low levels of physical fitness and
various health problems. Effectively promoting PA requires accurately identifying
psychological determinants and understanding the psychological mechanisms
underlying PA formation. This study investigates the intrapersonal and interpersonal
psychological predictors of PA behaviours among Chinese university students using
the expanded Health Action Process Approach (EHAPA). A stratified random cluster
sampling technique was employed to collect survey responses from 1,143 participants
across six universities in five cities in southern Jiangsu, China. An explanatory
sequential mixed methods design was used, beginning with a quantitative survey
followed by qualitative interviews to explain the quantitative findings. For the
quantitative research, ANOVA was conducted using IBM SPSS 26 to examine mean
score differences in EHAPA constructs across different PA level groups and mindset
groups. Structural equation modelling using IBM AMOS 26 evaluated predictors of
PA behaviour and the mediating effects of planning. Multiple-group analysis
examined the moderating effects of gender, Body Mass Index (BMI), and mindset
group on the direct pathways predicting PA behaviour. The results show significant
differences in maintenance self-efficacy (MSE), planning, social support (SS), and
recovery self-efficacy (RSE) among different PA level groups.
Description
Keywords
Chinese University Students , Physical Activity