Physical activity status of academic professors during their early career transition: An application of the theory of planned behavior

Abstract

Life-transitions (e.g. parenthood) have been linked to physical inactivity, yet the topic requires further exploration. In this study, we evaluated changes in the physical activity (PA) of adults during their early career transition using retrospective analysis and the theory of planned behavior. Recruitment from January to March 2010 yielded a random sample of 267 assistant professors, ages 25–44, employed within the last five years. Repeated measures analysis of variance (RM ANOVA) concluded that PA declined across the transition (d = 0.36–0.43) and was further attenuated by marriage, work hours, and parenthood status. Discriminant function analysis (DFA) identified specific behavioral and control correlates about PA enjoyment, limited time, inconsistent schedule, work demands, and job pressures to distinguish between those who remained active from those who did not across the transition. PA interventions administered prior to career transitions may be needed to prevent physical inactivity.

Keywords:

• physical activity
• theory of planned behavior
• early career transition

Acknowledgments

Megan A. Kirk is supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research Frederick Banting and Charles Best Canada Graduate Scholarship and a University of Victoria President's Research Scholarship. Ryan E. Rhodes is supported by a new investigator award from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, a senior scientist award from the Canadian Cancer Society, and with funds from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, the Canadian Diabetes Association, and the Canadian Cancer Society.

Notes

1. The IP group subsequently resulted in null findings with exploratory imputation into the DFA results.