Examining the Association of Transtheoretical Model Constructs on Physical Activity: Considerations of Anxiety Symptomology as a Potential Moderator

Abstract

Chelsea Joyner, Paul D. Loprinzi

Background: The purpose of this study was to examine the potential moderating effects of anxiety symptomology on the association between constructs from the transtheoretical model (TTM) and physical activity (PA). Methods: Data were collected from 200 University students from October 2015 to June 2016. To assess TTM constructs, a validated TTM survey was utilized. PA was assessed via the validated international PA questionnaire. Anxiety was assessed utilizing the 5-item overall anxiety severity and impairment scale questionnaire. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between TTM constructs and PA. Interaction analyses were computed to see if there was an interaction effect of TTM constructs and anxiety on PA. Results: The only TTM construct associated with meeting moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) guidelines was behavioral processes of change (odds ratio = 1.14, 95% confidence interval = 1.07-1.21; P < 0.05). Further, there was no interaction effect of anxiety and any of the TTM constructs on MVPA (all P > 0.05). Conclusion: TTM seems to have some utility of promoting MVPA among University students and does not appear to be a function of anxiety levels.