Translating Physical Activity Intentions into Behavior: Reflective, Regulatory, and Reflexive Processes

Abstract

The purpose of this article was to review predictors of the physical activity (PA) intention-behavior relationship. The review provides evidence for the hypothesis that reflective (consciously deliberated expectations of PA), regulatory (tactics used to enact intentions), and reflexive (stimulus-based associative motivation) processes represent independent determinants of translating PA intentions into action, yet differ in relative contribution across time and circumstance.