The theory of planned behavior and strength training in college-aged women.

Objectives: Using Theory of Planned Behavior, the objective of this study was to determine how attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavior control related to intent to strength training by college-aged women. Participants: Participants were college-aged females (N = 162) from a mid-sized private university in the Midwestern United States who were divided into three groups: non-exercisers, cardiovascular-only exercisers, and strength or strength and cardiovascular exercisers. Methods: Participants completed a questionnaire assessing attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavior control in relation to strength training behavior. MANOVA was utilized to examine the differences between groups. Results: The MANOVA was significant at p < .01. Post hoc analysis indicated strength training participation was significantly higher for non-exercisers and cardiovascular-only exercisers for the attitude and perceived behavior control constructs (p<.05) but not for subjective norm. Conclusions: Perceived behavior control and direct attitude factors may be strong contributors to college-aged women's participation in strength training.