The role of executive functioning on the intention-behaviour relationship of health behaviours: a temporal self-regulatory perspective

Objective: The current study employed the Temporal Self-Regulation theory (TST) to determine if self-regulatory capacity and prepotent behaviour moderate the relationship between intention and health behaviours (i.e., physical activity, and healthy eating) in college students. Design: 220 students were surveyed across two time points to assess past/intended behaviour (Time 1) and follow-up behaviour (Time 2). Main Outcome Measures: To address limitations in previous research, self-regulatory capacity was assessed using an ecologically valid rating scale (Barkley Deficits in Executive Functioning Scale). Multi-item assessment measures were utilised for physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire) and healthy eating (All-Day Screener) behaviours. Results: A link between intention and follow-up behaviour was established and executive functioning (EF) and past behaviours were positively associated with follow-up behaviour. EF had no unique moderation effects on health behaviours, but combinations of Low, Moderate, and High levels of past behaviour and EF demonstrated moderation for physical activity and healthy eating. Conclusion: This study demonstrated the utility of the TST in predicting health behaviour and emphasised the mutual necessity of EF and past behaviour in understanding the intention-behaviour relationship. Findings can be used to formulate studies and interventions that reduce barriers to health behaviours, therefore, lessening the need for high self-regulatory abilities.