Predictors of changes in running and smoking identity among individuals in the Run to Quit smoking cessation program

Colin M Wierts; Mark R Beauchamp; Carly S Priebe; Bruno D Zumbo; Ryan E Rhodes; Guy Faulkner

doi:10.1016/j.psychsport.2023.102431

Predictors of changes in running and smoking identity among individuals in the Run to Quit smoking cessation program

Psychol Sport Exerc. 2023 Jul:67:102431. doi: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2023.102431. Epub 2023 Mar 31.

Authors

Colin M Wierts¹, Mark R Beauchamp², Carly S Priebe², Bruno D Zumbo³, Ryan E Rhodes⁴, Guy Faulkner²

Affiliations

¹ School of Kinesiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Electronic address: colin.wierts@ubc.ca.
² School of Kinesiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
³ Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, and Special Education, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
⁴ School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.

PMID: 37665884
DOI: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2023.102431

Abstract

Objectives: Multiple health behaviour change is a viable strategy to promote health outcomes. An example is the use of running behaviour to support smoking cessation in the group-mediated Run to Quit program. On the basis that changes in running and smoking identity were related to changes in running and smoking behaviour among individuals in the Run to Quit program, the purpose of this study was to extend these findings by examining key predictors of change in both running and smoking identity.

Methods: We analyzed data collected from 450 adult individuals (70.67% female, and 92.44% white) during the program evaluation of Run to Quit from 2016 to 2018. Participants completed assessments at week 1 (baseline), week 3 (mid-program), and week 10 (follow-up) of the program. Relevant predictor variables for change in identity were identified by drawing from theory (identity theory, identity control theory, physical activity self-definition model, social identity theory) and past research regarding exercise and smoking identity. Potential predictors of changes in running and smoking identity included changes in behaviour, self-efficacy, perceptions of the social environment (task and social cohesion, descriptive norms), as well as smoking identity and running identity, respectively. Two regression models, using residualized change scores (for each variable) and relative Pratt indices, were constructed for both running and smoking identity.

Results: Changes in running self-efficacy, running frequency, and individual attractions to the group exercise tasks were significant and meaningful predictors of change in running identity, whereas changes in objectively measured smoking behaviour and running identity were significant and meaningful predictors of change in smoking identity.

Conclusion: Consistent with identity theories and past research, ensuring individuals develop a sense of efficacy and enjoy group exercise tasks both represent viable strategies to enhance exercise identity. Including an exercise component within smoking cessation programs may help individuals replace their existing smoking identity with a healthier exercise identity.

Keywords: Exercise; Exercise identity; Identity change; Multiple health behaviour change; Smoking; Smoking identity.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Adult
Female
Health Promotion
Humans
Male
Running*
Smoking
Smoking Cessation*
Tobacco Smoking