Social-Cognitive Theories to Explain Physical Activity

Abstract

Despite the widely recognized health benefits of physical activity, participation in regular physical activity falls far short of the Global Action Plan on Physical Activity 2018–2030. More than half of the population does not reach current recommendations, and around one-fourth is not sufficiently active at all. Understanding social-cognitive theories may aid in the creation of interventions to improve long-term physical activity maintenance. The current work covers theory and research on physical activity patterns. It specifically provides an overview of contemporary conceptualizations of motivational and cognitive theories, as well as reviews recent perspectives on how physical activity can be adopted and maintained. Key questions, such as whether physical activity can be executed purely based on cognitive functions, are also addressed. Furthermore, this review identifies possible and effective intervention strategies to promote physical activity.

Effectiveness of education intervention, with regards to physical activity level and a healthy diet, among Middle Eastern adolescents in Malaysia: A study protocol for a randomized control trial, based on a health belief model

“…Social cognitive theory (SCT) assumes that social, environmental and personal factors influence behaviour. In the context of school-based obesity interventions, social cognitive theory can promote healthy behaviours by creating a supportive environment and emphasising the importance of self-efficacy and positive reinforcement [ 25 ]. The theory can be applied to develop appropriate interventions, such as exercise programmes for female students to combat obesity.…”

Interpersonal Behavior, Basic Psychological Needs, Motivation, Eating Behavior, and Body Image in Gym/Fitness Exercisers: A Systematic Review

“…According to Michie et al [6], in a study where 83 theories related to behavioral change were presented, more than 30 of these theoretical models addressed motivation. However, self-determination theory (SDT) [7,8] has been the most used supporting theoretical framework to explain people's cognitive, behavioral, and emotional patterns in physical exercise [4,9]. In addition, some studies [10,11] claim that SDT is the most widely used motivational model among researchers in order to understand the influence of human motivation on several outcomes in the exercise context.…”

“…Self-determination theory came to revolutionize the idea of motivation as a motivational continuum, varying the quality of motivation based on the degree of selfdetermination. Thus, motivation can be manifested in six ways, ranging from more selfdetermined forms to less self-determined forms and divided from a macro perspective into intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation, and amotivation [7]. Intrinsic motivation is the most self-determined manifestation of motivation.…”

“…In this regulation, the subject performs the behavior to satisfy external demands, sometimes related to obtaining rewards. This regulation is the most controlled of all because the maintenance of motivation and, consequently, the behavior depends on the continuous presence of external monitoring and reinforcement [7].…”

Motivational Correlates, Satisfaction with Life, and Physical Activity in Older Adults: A Structural Equation Analysis

“…Motivation is a significant driver for older adults to maintain a healthy lifestyle and to stay active [ 15 , 16 ]. It has been proven to have a positive effect on overall mental and physical health, as well as improving cognitive functioning and memory [ 17 ].…”