Examining the Association of Transtheoretical Model Constructs on Physical Activity: Considerations of Anxiety Symptomology as a Potential Moderator

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study was to examine the potential moderating effects of anxiety symptomology on the association between constructs from the transtheoretical model (TTM) and physical activity (PA). Methods: Data were collected from 200 University students from October 2015 to June 2016. To assess TTM constructs, a validated TTM survey was utilized. PA was assessed via the validated international PA questionnaire. Anxiety was assessed utilizing the 5-item overall anxiety severity and impairment scale questionnaire. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between TTM constructs and PA. Interaction analyses were computed to see if there was an interaction effect of TTM constructs and anxiety on PA. Results: The only TTM construct associated with meeting moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) guidelines was behavioral processes of change (odds ratio = 1.14, 95% confidence interval = 1.07-1.21; P < 0.05). Further, there was no interaction effect of anxiety and any of the TTM constructs on MVPA (all P > 0.05). Conclusion: TTM seems to have some utility of promoting MVPA among University students and does not appear to be a function of anxiety levels.KEY WORDS: Anxiety, behavioral processes of change, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, transtheoretical model Joyner and Loprinzi: Exercise, TTM, and anxiety

Can Facebook Reduce Perceived Anxiety Among College Students? Randomized Controlled Exercise Trial Using the Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change

“…Notably, 2 interventions reduced anxiety significantly more than waitlist conditions but were not superior to active controls [ 21 , 22 ]. Therefore, the magnitude of efficacy for mobile phone research remains unclear [ 23 ], and thus, requires additional research. In comparison to the research in Firth’s meta-analysis, we used the transtheoretical model of health behavior change rather than employing strategies specifically designed to treat mental disorders because this model has been shown to be associated with reduced anxiety symptoms [ 23 ].…”

“…Therefore, the magnitude of efficacy for mobile phone research remains unclear [ 23 ], and thus, requires additional research. In comparison to the research in Firth’s meta-analysis, we used the transtheoretical model of health behavior change rather than employing strategies specifically designed to treat mental disorders because this model has been shown to be associated with reduced anxiety symptoms [ 23 ]. Further, the transtheoretical model is widely used in physical activity research, and exercise is known to exert beneficial effects on mood profile, particularly within the college-aged population [ 23 - 25 ].…”

“…In comparison to the research in Firth’s meta-analysis, we used the transtheoretical model of health behavior change rather than employing strategies specifically designed to treat mental disorders because this model has been shown to be associated with reduced anxiety symptoms [ 23 ]. Further, the transtheoretical model is widely used in physical activity research, and exercise is known to exert beneficial effects on mood profile, particularly within the college-aged population [ 23 - 25 ]. Additionally, unlike the studies included in the aforementioned meta-analysis, we did not use indication of mental health issues as inclusionary criteria and recruited from the general student body in an attempt to comprehensively address the health needs of the average college adult, who may be reluctant to expose their mental health concerns upon recruitment [ 26 , 27 ].…”