Have you been exercising lately? Testing the role of past behavior on exercise adherence

The purpose of this study was to test the effect of past behavior on future behavior, considering the motivational sequence proposed by the self-determination theory. The total sample was formed by 293 exercisers aged between 18 and 65 (M = 36.57 +/- SD = 11.25) years. Participants completed a multi-section survey of motivational, emotional and cognitive-related variables, and exercise adherence was measured using computer records. Past behavior was found to offset the direct effect of intention on future behavior and the indirect effect of all other variables under analysis on intention, acting as a buffer variable for experienced gym members.

Automated summary

The study demonstrates that past behavior can offset the direct impact of intention on future behavior and act as a buffer variable for experienced gym members. It also found that past behavior plays a role in moderating the indirect effects of other variables on intention, thus influencing behavior.