The attitude-behavior relationships have been a major topic of research in
the area of sport and exercise psychology. The aim of this study was to
examine the attitude-exercise behavior relationship according to the theory
of planned behavior. Two additional variables, multicomponent attitude
strength and role-identity, were constructed to expand the initial model. The
sample consisted of 395 females, 18 to 50 years of age, who were
participating in physical fitness programs. Their participation was recorded
over a two month period and served as a behavioral criterion. Attitudes
toward behavior, perceived behavioral control, role-identity and attitude
strength, predicted intention to exercise (R=.64). Also, exercise behavior
was predicted from intention, perceived behavioral control, role-identity
and attitude strength (R=.62). Perceived behavioral control was a more
accurate predictor of behavior than intention (r=.54 and r=.47 respectively).
Results also showed that the planned behavior model was slightly more
successful in predicting exercise behavior when attitude strength and roleidentity
were added in the analysis. Findings are discussed in terms of
theoretical as well as practical implications and the role of intention,
perceived behavioral control, role-identity and attitude strength variables for
understanding attitude-behavior relationships. When sport psychologists
examine the effects of attitudes on exercise behavior, they should take into
consideration the interaction of factors such as intention, behavioral control,
role-identity and attitude strength