SELF-REGULATION OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY BEHAVIOR

In the present thesis, it was aimed to investigate self-regulation of physical activity (PA) behavior with regard to reflective and automatic processes involved. The roles of trait self-control, PA intention, PA behavior automaticity, affective reactions during PA, and executive functions were investigated. In order to assess trait self-control in the subsequent study, in the first study, it was aimed to validate Italian version of the Brief Self-Control Scale (BSCS; Tangney, Baumeister, & Boone, 2004) which is a widely used measure of trait self-control. Two hundred and sixty-two Italian university students completed BSCS along with measures of grit, impulsive behavior, self-esteem, resilience, and psychological distress. One hundred and forty-three of the first sample completed BSCS after three weeks again. Results indicated that the Italian version of the BSCS is one-dimensional as the original BSCS. Good internal consistency and test-retest stability were documented. Validity of the construct was established with the association between BSCS and measures of grit and impulsive behavior. Furthermore, results showed that BSCS was positively correlated with self-esteem and resilience, and negatively with psychological distress. In conclusion, findings indicated that the Italian BSCS is a reliable and valid instrument assessing trait self-control in Italian speaking populations. In the second study, trait self-control, PA intention, affective reaction during PA, and automaticity were examined in relation to PA behavior, following a recent dual-process model of PA behavior (Physical Activity Adoption and Maintenance Model, Strobach et al., 2020). It was expected that trait self-control would moderate intention – PA behavior relationship, and automaticity would mediate the relationship between affective reaction and PA behavior. Fifty-three healthy adults participated to the study via online questionnaire including measures of PA behavior, intention, automaticity, affective reaction, and trait self-control. Results were in line with the model-driven expectations, and the study provided preliminary evidence for the model. Implications were discussed in relation to PA promotion programs. In the third study, a systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the predictive role of executive functions on PA behavior. Systematic searches were carried out and prospective studies which reported the relationship between baseline executive functions and later PA behavior were selected. Results of the random effects meta-analysis revealed a significant total effect size for executive functions on PA behavior. Effect size remained significant when accounted for publication bias. High heterogeneity was observed across studies. Due to the different measures used, executive function components could not be differentially tested. Despite limitations, the study provided evidence for executive functions’ predictor role on PA behavior. More research is encouraged to inform PA promotion programs that are well-prepared for individual differences in executive functions.