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Abstract

The mediating effect of perceived physical ability on the relationship of attitudes with behavior has been investigated in 130 subjects. Perceived Physical Ability was measured using the scale of Ryckman, Robbins, Thornton, and Cantrell, and attitudes were defined according to Ajzen and Fishbein. Two months later, all subjects reported their exercise behavior. Attitudes were significantly correlated 0.445 with exercise behavior, but Perceived Physical Ability did not influence the relation of attitude to behavior. Although this does not invalidate previous findings concerning the mediating influence of some personality factors, it does support the point of view that methodological considerations need to be included in the attitude-behavior controversy.

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Perceived Physical Ability and Relation of Attitude to Behavior

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