Understanding the intention-to-behaviour relationship for adolescents: an application of the multi-process action control model

ABSTRACT

The multi-process action control model (M-PAC) is an integrative model specifically designed to evaluate intention-behaviour gaps. To date, however, the processes through which intentions are translated into action have largely been underexplored among adolescents. The primary purpose of the study was to investigate the distribution of intention-behaviour profiles during late adolescence; and to apply the M-PAC framework to assess predictors of these profiles. Our sample included 1176 grade 11 students (M_age= 15.85 ± 0.38, 45.6% male) that completed an online questionnaire as part of the baseline cohort in the ADAPT study. The questionnaire assessed the reflective, regulatory, and reflexive processes outlined within M-PAC, and a self-reported measure of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Following the use of a novel tertiary split, six intention-behaviour profiles were observed: inactive non-intenders (7.1%; n = 83), active non-intenders (2.8%; n = 33), inactive quasi-intenders (20.6%; n = 242), active quasi-intenders (19.2%; n = 226), unsuccessful intenders (12.5%; n = 147) and successful intenders (37.8%; n = 445). Descriptive statistics revealed successful intenders reported the highest scores on all M-PAC predictors, followed by unsuccessful intenders. A graded response pattern continued for quasi-intenders and non-intenders, with inactive non-intenders scoring the lowest across all M-PAC variables. The current study offers new insight into the intention-behaviour gap by differentiating adolescents with more conviction in their intentions from those that report intention ambivalence to create six intention-behaviour profiles. Findings demonstrate strong support for the core tenets of M-PAC in predicting physical activity intention-behaviour profiles during late adolescence.

KEYWORDS:

• Adolescents
• physical activity
• intention-behaviour gap
• multi-process action control model
• quasi-intenders

Acknowledgements

The ADAPT study is funded by an Insight Grant from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. MYK is in part supported by the Government of Ontario Early Researcher Award.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data Availability Statement

Due to the nature of this research, participants of this study did not agree for their data to be shared publicly, so supporting data is not available.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada: [Grant Number 435-2018-0896].