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.