An extended model of theory of planned behaviour in predicting exercise intention

The main purpose of the present study was to propose and test an extended model with the addition of perceived need in predicting exercise participation, drawing upon the theory of planned behaviour. Cross-sectional data was collected via self-administered surveys from general adults sample (n = 217). The instrument was first validated using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis to test for unidimensionality, convergent and discriminant validity. Model and hypotheses testing were performed using structural equation modelling (SEM). The extended model accounted for a substantial portion of the variance in exercise intention (R²= 0.798). Specific findings revealed that: (1) all predictors were significantly correlated with exercise intention; (2) attitude components, perceived control, and perceived need predicted exercise intention; (3) instrumental attitude emerged as the strongest predictor of intention. This study has important implications for marketing practitioners, consumer researchers, and public policy makers interested in the determinants of exercise participation.