An examination of how constraints and processes of change affect stages of behavioural change for recreational sport participation

Abstract

This study aimed: 1) to categorise individuals into stages of behavioural change for recreational sport participation; 2) examine leisure constraints and processes of change (which act as negotiation strategies) among individuals in different stages of behavioural change. The data were collected with on-site surveys, conducted in two public leisure/sport centres in Greece. The sample consisted of 300 married individuals, with children, who varied in age between 31 and 55 years. Participants completed questionnaires that assessed stages of behavioural change, leisure constraints and process of change. In terms of the stages of behavioural change, the results indicated that the largest proportion of respondents were in the pre-contemplation stage. In terms of the perception of constraints, individuals, who were in the three lower stages of behavioural change (pre-contemplation, contemplation, and preparation) scored higher in 'intrapersonal' and 'interpersonal' constraints, than individuals who were in the two higher stages (action and maintenance). Finally, in terms of the processes of behavioural change, significant differences were found between the behavioural stages in all ten dimensions, while, both cognitive and behavioural processes were found to increase with the advancing stages. The theoretical and applied implications of these results are discussed. Copyright © 2012 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.