Psychology of physical activity – A 30-year reflection on physical activity behaviour change research

Oral Presentation A3.1

Authors

  • Stuart J. H. Biddle University of Southern Queensland
  • Guy Faulkner University of British Columbia
  • Nanette Mutrie University of Edinburgh
  • Trish Gorley University of the Highlands and Islands

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.385

Keywords:

Exercise Psychology, Trends, Behaviour Change

Abstract

Background: The first English language authored textbook on exercise psychology was published 30 years ago (Biddle & Mutrie, 1991, Psychology of Physical Activity & Exercise). The publication of the 4th edition of the follow-up to this book in 2021 (Biddle, Mutrie, Gorely & Faulkner, 2021, Psychology of Physical Activity), allows for a 30-year retrospective view of changes in this field concerning physical activity behaviour change. Purpose: To review progress concerning research about physical activity behaviour change since the 1st edition and speculate on future developments. Results: Significant progress has been made concerning methodology and measurement for physical activity behaviour change, including standardised guidelines for intervention development. Research syntheses have enabled large volumes of intervention research to be summarised but global effect sizes remain modest and often unexplained. Progress has been ‘weak-to-moderate’ for understanding behavioural maintenance or for use of long-term data; there is ‘weak’ progress on moving from efficacy to effectiveness trials; ‘good’ progress has been made involving research participants in intervention planning and design; and ‘moderate-to-good’ progress is evident in the use of explanatory process evaluations. Conclusions: These trends reflect changes in our understanding across the 30 years of the textbook publication process and suggest future research directions for those interested in the field of physical activity for health, especially from a behavioural perspective.

Published

2021-09-30

How to Cite

Biddle, S. J. H., Faulkner, G., Mutrie, N., & Gorley, T. (2021). Psychology of physical activity – A 30-year reflection on physical activity behaviour change research: Oral Presentation A3.1. The Health & Fitness Journal of Canada, 14(3). https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.385

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