Physical activity among parents of very young children: The role of beliefs and social-cognitive factors

Abstract

Introduction and purpose: Despite the unequivocal benefits of regular physical activity, many parents engage in lower levels of physical activity (PA) following the birth of a child, a period in which PA can assist in buffering against postnatal depression. Drawing on the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) and health action process approach (HAPA), an integrative model was developed to examine variables predicting PA in parents of very young children (child under the age of 1 year). In addition, key beliefs related to PA intentions and behaviour were investigated. Methods: A prospective correlational design with two waves of data collection, spaced 1 week apart, was adopted. Initially, formative qualitative research among the target population (N = 20 parents) identified relevant underlying beliefs to inform survey content. For the main study, parents of a child under the age of 1 year (N = 297) completed an online or paper-based questionnaire assessing TPB constructs (intention, attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioural control, belief-based items), and family social support and planning from the HAPA. One week later, parents self-reported their PA behaviour. Data were analysed using latent variable structural equation modelling. Results: Findings revealed the proposed model was a good fit to the data, accounting for 62% and 27% of the variance in PA intention and behaviour, respectively. Attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioural control predicted intention. Family social support did not predict either planning or intention. Physical activity was predicted by planning only, with an indirect effect from intention to behaviour via planning. The effect of a number of key beliefs, focusing on time, fatigue, and motivation, were identified also. Conclusions: This research among an at-risk cohort for inactivity and negative mental health provides further understanding of the factors that influence the PA behaviour of parents of very young children, enabling theory-based targets for intervention. The findings support using integrative theoretical approaches for a comprehensive understanding of complex health behaviours, especially the addition of a volitional phase to motivational theories when there are substantial barriers to behavioural enactment.