Combining the Integrated-Change Model with Self-Determination Theory: Application in Physical Activity

Background: Critically testing and integrating theoretical models can aid health promotion research and intervention planning. This study aimed to critically compare and integrate Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and Integrated-Change Model (ICM) for explaining physical activity behaviour. Methods: A dataset was used with Dutch adults, consisting of information on demographics and socio-cognitive and behavioural determinants. There were three measurements over a period of six months, with the baseline sample consisting of 1867 participants. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to assess the reliability of the items and their corresponding scales. To examine cognitive pathways, we applied Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). Results: For SDT, none of the pathways were significant but the model fit was decent (R-2 = 0.20; RMSEA = 0.07; CFI = 0.91). For ICM, the model fit was similar (R-2 = 0.19; RMSEA = 0.07; CFI = 0.73), with many significant pathways, as stipulated by the theory. The integration of STD and ICM constructs revealed similar explained behavioural variance (R-2 = 21%), with no significantly different model fit. Conclusion: The integration of SDT and ICM added no value as a prediction model. However, the integrated model explains the underlying mechanism of STD constructs, as well as the determinants of attitude, social influences, and self-efficacy. In the context of intervention design, ICM or the integrated model seem most useful as it reveals the stages and pathways to behaviour change.