Dynamic representations of theory testing in physical activity using ecological momentary assessment: an example guide utilizing multi-process action control

Behavioral theories are essential in understanding physical activity (PA) and developing effective intervention strategies, yet most theories have been developed alongside common research methods available at their inception. Contemporary data collection methods such as intensive longitudinal designs (e.g., Ecological Momentary Assessment; EMA) are beginning to facilitate more advanced approaches to theorizing. One of the primary challenges in applying traditional behavior change theories, however, relates to measurement, as traditional multi-item measures are not practical nor may they accurately capture the dynamic elements of the construct sought in intensive longitudinal sampling. The purpose of this paper was to provide a user's guide of measures of the Multi-Process Action Control (M-PAC) Framework for use in EMA, followed by preliminary working examples. EMA offers opportunities to sample and obtain real-time (or near real-time) information that include processes that are more automatically or immediately activated in response to environmental stimuli or informational cues. As a result, we propose a slight re-operationalization of M-PAC as it relates to the interacting psychological systems in determining PA. We outline some of the measurement challenges with M-PAC using EMA, and the opportunities to blend more traditional and contemporary real-time approaches to advance theory and our understanding of PA. Together, this paper is intended to be a starting point, acknowledging the need to adapt traditional behavioral theories to incorporate the dynamic factors in determining PA. By doing so, we can advance our understanding of PA and develop more effective, and theory-based, interventions tailored to individual needs and contexts.