Explaining children’s physical activity: Experiential attitudes in the theory of planned behaviour

Children are becoming less physically active, as reflected in decreasing regular exercise such as organised training, and a decline in active mobility as a form of transportation, such as walking and cycling. Relying on the theory of planned behaviour (TPB), we focused on the distinction between instrumental and experiential attitudes as determinants of intentions, an issue that has received limited attention in relation to children’s physical activity (PA). In line with previous studies on adults, experiential attitudes were found to be important predictors of physical activity intentions. These attitudes had an especially strong impact on walking and cycling intentions, whereas exercise intentions were largely controlled by subjective norms. In the prediction of behaviour, perceived behavioural control accounted for most of the variance in exercising, whereas intentions explained most of the variance in walking and cycling. Based on the results, we conclude, that different kinds of interventions may be required to change intentions to engage in exercise, as opposed to active mobility. Further research with children of varying age and demographic backgrounds is recommended.