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Stemming from the need for theoretical integration, this study aimed at individually testing and integrating self-determination theory (SDT) and self-efficacy theory (SET) to predict physical activity. University students (n ϭ 225) completed questionnaires measuring constructs from SDT and SET as well as the Godin Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire. Using path analysis, individual SDT and SET models and 2 hypothesised integrated models were tested. The preferred integrated model was selected on the basis of model fit indices. The selected integrated model was then compared with the individual theoretical models by examining the number of theoretical links that remained constant and the explained variance in the variables. Results revealed that the individual and integrated models were supported. The second integration model, which had self-determined motivation and confidence in equal agenic roles, had better model fit, 2 (7) ϭ 28.87, p Ͻ .001, comparative fit index ϭ .95, root-mean-square error of approximation ϭ .12, standardized root mean residual ϭ .05, Akaike Information Criterion ϭ 84.87, and was preferred over the individual theoretical models. Overall, integrating 2 motivational theories in physical activity research is feasible, and more studies are needed to enhance our understanding of physical activity participation.

Identity and Self-efficacy Theories were used to examine the relationship between healthy-eater identity, self-efficacy for healthy eating and healthy eating. Measures of healthy-eater identity, perception of healthy eating, nutrition knowledge, self-efficacy for both intake of fruits and vegetables and foods of low nutritional value were completed by 101 university students and staff. Two weeks later, participants recalled recent consumption of (a) fruits and vegetables and (b) foods of low nutritional value. For both eating outcomes, healthy-eater identity was a significant predictor after controlling for nutrition knowledge. The addition of self-efficacy improved prediction in the case of both eating outcomes.

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This study examined Identity Theory hypotheses about identity-behaviour consistency. Exercise-identity strength and judgments about consistency were hypothesized to relate to perceptions of percent consistency and frequency of vigorous exercise. Identity strength and percent consistency were hypothesized to interact in their relationship with affective reactions to extent of consistency. Measures of exercise-identity strength, perceived consistency, exercise frequency, self-regulatory efficacy and consistency-related affect were completed by 528 exercisers. Exercise-identity strength and consistency judgments related to percent consistency and exercise frequency. Exercise-identity strength and percent consistency interacted in their relationship with consistency-related affect and also were related to self-regulatory efficacy.

Self-determination theory and self-efficacy theory are prominent theories in the physical activity literature, and studies have begun integrating their concepts. Sweet, Fortier, Strachan and Blanchard (2012) have integrated these two theories in a cross-sectional study. Therefore, this study sought to test a longitudinal integrated model to predict physical activity at the end of a 4-month cardiac rehabilitation program based on theory, research and Sweet et al.’s cross-sectional model. Participants from two cardiac rehabilitation programs (N=109) answered validated self-report questionnaires at baseline, two and four months. Data were analyzed using Amos to assess the path analysis and model fit. Prior to integration, perceived competence and self-efficacy were combined, and labeled as confidence. After controlling for 2-month physical activity and cardiac rehabilitation site, no motivational variables significantly predicted residual change in 4-month physical activity. Although confidence at two months did not predict residual change in 4-month physical activity, it had a strong positive relationship with 2-month physical activity (β=0.30, P<0.001). The overall model retained good fit indices. In conclusion, results diverged from theoretical predictions of physical activity, but self-determination and self-efficacy theory were still partially supported. Because the model had good fit, this study demonstrated that theoretical integration is feasible.

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