Taejin Jung1, Gary R Heald. 1. Communication Studies Department, State University of New York, Oswego, NY 13126, USA. jung@oswego.edu
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The authors attempt to show the usefulness of discriminate messages designed to increase college students' intentions to engage in physical activities. PARTICIPANTS: The authors selected a sample of undergraduate students enrolled in communication courses at a university in the southeastern United States for a baseline online survey (n=683) and an experiment (n=99). METHODS: The authors selected discriminate beliefs with highest regression weights and sizable effect size with behavioral intention to build messages for classroom intervention. The authors used an analysis of covariance to test the intervention effect of discriminate messages on intention to do physical activities. RESULTS: Students exposed to the discriminate messages were more likely to report positive changes in their self-efficacy and behavioral intentions related to physical activity. CONCLUSIONS: Further research on communication theories is required to help design the selected beliefs so that they will be comprehended and ultimately lead to behavioral changes.
OBJECTIVE: The authors attempt to show the usefulness of discriminate messages designed to increase college students' intentions to engage in physical activities. PARTICIPANTS: The authors selected a sample of undergraduate students enrolled in communication courses at a university in the southeastern United States for a baseline online survey (n=683) and an experiment (n=99). METHODS: The authors selected discriminate beliefs with highest regression weights and sizable effect size with behavioral intention to build messages for classroom intervention. The authors used an analysis of covariance to test the intervention effect of discriminate messages on intention to do physical activities. RESULTS: Students exposed to the discriminate messages were more likely to report positive changes in their self-efficacy and behavioral intentions related to physical activity. CONCLUSIONS: Further research on communication theories is required to help design the selected beliefs so that they will be comprehended and ultimately lead to behavioral changes.