Closing the intention-behavior gap in physical activity

Objective. In most psychological models, intention is viewed as a proximal antecedent of physical activity. However, despite its importance, intention often fails to translate into actual behaviors. The Theory of Effort Minimization in Physical Activity (TEMPA) has suggested that the valuation of physical effort may explain the intention-behavior gap. The purpose of this study was to examine whether individual differences in approach and avoidance tendencies toward physical effort moderate the strength of the association between intention and action.