| Lack of physical activity is a major cause of obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cognitive decline. For organizations, physical activity is related to healthier and more successful employees. Despite these known correlates, intentions to be active do not always translate to behavior, a phenomenon known as the intention-behavior gap. This quantitative study examined the impact of work effort, reward, and effort/reward ratio on realizing physical activity intentions in a sample of adults with full-time jobs. The theory of planned behavior (TPB) is an excellent cognitive model for predicting intentions, yet less useful for predicting actual behavior. The energy model of self-regulation explains failure to realize intentions as depletion of a limited resource. The Effort-Reward Imbalance Questionnaire (ERI-Q) was used to assess the potential effects of work on self-regulatory energy depletion, while TPB was used to assess exercise intentions. The convenience sample of 79 full-time employed adults in the United States was recruited via e-mail, internet postings, and paper flyers. Self-Reported physical activity was assessed in a follow-up survey approximately 28 days later. The novel contribution of this study comes from the ERI-Q variables, which allowed for relating effort, reward, and effort/reward ratio to the intention-behavior gap. Three hypotheses tested the relationship between work variables and intention-behavior gap with linear regressions. A fourth hypothesis was tested for differences between dichotomous effort/reward ratio groups with a Mann-Whitney U test. Results supported null hypotheses, indicating the work variables were not related to realizing physical activity intentions. The study contributes to positive social change by clarifying that work, at least in this study, does not impact planned exercise, allowing individuals to focus on other potential barriers to success. |
