Dynamic representations of theory testing in physical activity using ecological momentary assessment: an example guide utilizing multi-process action control
Behavioral theories are essential in understanding physical activity (PA) and developing effective intervention strategies, yet most theories have been developed alongside common research methods available at their inception. Contemporary data collection methods such as intensive longitudinal design...
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Frontiers Media S.A.
2025-03-01
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| Series: | Frontiers in Psychology |
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| Online Access: | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1547090/full |
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| author | Ryan E. Rhodes Matthew Y. W. Kwan |
| author_facet | Ryan E. Rhodes Matthew Y. W. Kwan |
| author_sort | Ryan E. Rhodes |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Behavioral theories are essential in understanding physical activity (PA) and developing effective intervention strategies, yet most theories have been developed alongside common research methods available at their inception. Contemporary data collection methods such as intensive longitudinal designs (e.g., Ecological Momentary Assessment; EMA) are beginning to facilitate more advanced approaches to theorizing. One of the primary challenges in applying traditional behavior change theories, however, relates to measurement, as traditional multi-item measures are not practical nor may they accurately capture the dynamic elements of the construct sought in intensive longitudinal sampling. The purpose of this paper was to provide a user's guide of measures of the Multi-Process Action Control (M-PAC) Framework for use in EMA, followed by preliminary working examples. EMA offers opportunities to sample and obtain real-time (or near real-time) information that include processes that are more automatically or immediately activated in response to environmental stimuli or informational cues. As a result, we propose a slight re-operationalization of M-PAC as it relates to the interacting psychological systems in determining PA. We outline some of the measurement challenges with M-PAC using EMA, and the opportunities to blend more traditional and contemporary real-time approaches to advance theory and our understanding of PA. Together, this paper is intended to be a starting point, acknowledging the need to adapt traditional behavioral theories to incorporate the dynamic factors in determining PA. By doing so, we can advance our understanding of PA and develop more effective, and theory-based, interventions tailored to individual needs and contexts. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-9b88c4a3b3a545f382b9e37afdfa3d9b |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 1664-1078 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-03-01 |
| publisher | Frontiers Media S.A. |
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| spelling | doaj-art-9b88c4a3b3a545f382b9e37afdfa3d9b2025-08-20T03:44:28ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Psychology1664-10782025-03-011610.3389/fpsyg.2025.15470901547090Dynamic representations of theory testing in physical activity using ecological momentary assessment: an example guide utilizing multi-process action controlRyan E. Rhodes0Matthew Y. W. Kwan1School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, CanadaChild and Youth Studies, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, CanadaBehavioral theories are essential in understanding physical activity (PA) and developing effective intervention strategies, yet most theories have been developed alongside common research methods available at their inception. Contemporary data collection methods such as intensive longitudinal designs (e.g., Ecological Momentary Assessment; EMA) are beginning to facilitate more advanced approaches to theorizing. One of the primary challenges in applying traditional behavior change theories, however, relates to measurement, as traditional multi-item measures are not practical nor may they accurately capture the dynamic elements of the construct sought in intensive longitudinal sampling. The purpose of this paper was to provide a user's guide of measures of the Multi-Process Action Control (M-PAC) Framework for use in EMA, followed by preliminary working examples. EMA offers opportunities to sample and obtain real-time (or near real-time) information that include processes that are more automatically or immediately activated in response to environmental stimuli or informational cues. As a result, we propose a slight re-operationalization of M-PAC as it relates to the interacting psychological systems in determining PA. We outline some of the measurement challenges with M-PAC using EMA, and the opportunities to blend more traditional and contemporary real-time approaches to advance theory and our understanding of PA. Together, this paper is intended to be a starting point, acknowledging the need to adapt traditional behavioral theories to incorporate the dynamic factors in determining PA. By doing so, we can advance our understanding of PA and develop more effective, and theory-based, interventions tailored to individual needs and contexts.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1547090/fullhabitidentitybehavioral regulationhedonic motivationopportunityexercise |
| spellingShingle | Ryan E. Rhodes Matthew Y. W. Kwan Dynamic representations of theory testing in physical activity using ecological momentary assessment: an example guide utilizing multi-process action control Frontiers in Psychology habit identity behavioral regulation hedonic motivation opportunity exercise |
| title | Dynamic representations of theory testing in physical activity using ecological momentary assessment: an example guide utilizing multi-process action control |
| title_full | Dynamic representations of theory testing in physical activity using ecological momentary assessment: an example guide utilizing multi-process action control |
| title_fullStr | Dynamic representations of theory testing in physical activity using ecological momentary assessment: an example guide utilizing multi-process action control |
| title_full_unstemmed | Dynamic representations of theory testing in physical activity using ecological momentary assessment: an example guide utilizing multi-process action control |
| title_short | Dynamic representations of theory testing in physical activity using ecological momentary assessment: an example guide utilizing multi-process action control |
| title_sort | dynamic representations of theory testing in physical activity using ecological momentary assessment an example guide utilizing multi process action control |
| topic | habit identity behavioral regulation hedonic motivation opportunity exercise |
| url | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1547090/full |
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