Intention to be physically active : a theory guided study in Italian teenagers

This study investigated the relationship of self-efficacy, outcome expectancies, and risk perception on intention to increase physical activity in a group of adolescents. The 833 participants (M age = 16.2 yr., SD = 1.5) completed a Survey of Health Behavior anonymously. 88% of the sample said that they engaged in physical activity; 42.1% said that they spent 4 hours per week exercising. Boys appeared to be more active than girls. The results indicated self-efficacy, outcome expectancies, and risk perception as key factors in explaining behavioural intention in teenagers. As regards outcome expectancies, it seems that adolescents are effectively motivated by objectives which affect them closely, such as maintaining the right weight, and which may influence their everyday life.