Investigating the role of self-control beliefs in predicting exercise behaviour: A longitudinal study

Background Engaging in exercise behaviour regularly requires a repeated investment of resources to reap the health benefits. An individual's self-control resources, when performing a behaviour can be perceived as being recharged or depleted. The investigation on how self-control beliefs resources predict exercise behaviour is very limited in the literature. The purpose of this study was to understand how self-control beliefs predict exercise behaviour across time in a physical activity model. Methods Participants (N = 161) were a sample of adults recruited across twelve gyms and recreation centres in a large city. Participants completed surveys across five months. Data were analysed using a multilevel structural equation model with participants (level 2) nested within time (level 1). Results Behaviour was found to be a function of intention, habit, and planning. Specifically, planning moderated the intention-behaviour relationship, where those who scored higher on planning engaged in more exercise. Self-control beliefs functioned as a proximal predictor of autonomous motivation and predicted habit, and intention when accounting for total effects. Conclusions Self-control beliefs played a pivotal role in supporting recognized exercise determinants. Exercise-focussed interventions that help participants strengthen their beliefs as recharging and reduce depletion beliefs could be beneficial for promoting regular exercise.