Applying the theory of planned behaviour to walking : development and evaluation of measures and an intervention

Abstract

This research applied the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) to the development and evaluation of a TPB measure of walking cognitions and an intervention to encourage walking behaviour. Study one (N=10) used interpretative phenomenological analysis to provide a rich and detailed account of walking in which participants reported walking as not being “proper” exercise. Perceptions of walking were incongruent with current health promotion campaigns, which focus on the health benefits of walking. Study two (N=180) demonstrated the wide range of beliefs that people hold in relation to walking and was used to develop a TPB questionnaire based on current recommendations. Study three (N=45) showed that TPB measurement development yields problematic questions, making it difficult for participants to interpret and respond to questions. Perceived behavioral control (PBC) was identified as the key determinant of walking behaviour. The final study (N=130) demonstrated that increasing PBC led to an increase in objectively measured walking, in general public participants, from 20 minutes to 32 minutes a day. At one month follow up, participants maintained their increases in walking. Overall, the findings of this thesis partially support the proposed causal nature of the TPB as a framework for developing and evaluating health behaviour change interventions.