Prediction of leisure-time exercise behavior: a path analysis (LISREL V) model.

In an attempt to understand the inherent process underlying the regular practice of physical activity, the relationships among subjective norm, attitude, habit, intention, and future behaviors have been investigated in a random sample of 136 University of Toronto employees. For this purpose, leisure-time exercise behavior was measured on two occasions after a statement of intentions had been obtained: 3 weeks later (proximal behavior) and 2 months later (distal behavior). The results of a path analysis (LISREL) suggest that intention is directly influenced by habit and attitude, proximal behavior is the result of habit only, and distal behavior can be explained by a combination of intention and proximal behavior. Subjective norm was not a significant predictor of intention, proximal behavior, or distal behavior. This modeling approach offers a clearer understanding of the dynamics of exercise intention and behavior, strongly supporting the role of habit as a determinant of exercise behavior.