Research Impact: Active transport to school (ATS) is an easy and sustainable way to integrate physical activity into daily life. We aimed to develop and test a model which conceptualized relationships between children’s ATS and psychological, social cognitive and perceived environmental factors. We drew on data from the ProATs, a cross-sectional study conducted with 1189 children aged 9–12 years from 11 primary schools in Huesca, Spain. The model, combining elements from the theory of planned behaviour and self-determination theory, explained 48% of the variance of children’s ATS. Perceived behavioural control was the strongest predictor of intention to use ATS, and was influenced by perceptions of autonomy and competence and the perceived environment. Psychological, social cognitive, and perceived environmental factors played an important role in explaining children’s ATS, suggesting the need for a comprehensive and balanced approach when designing initiatives to promote this behaviour.
Zaragoza, J., Corral, A., Ikeda, E., Bengoechea, E.G., & Aibar A. (2020). Assessment of psychological, social cognitive and perceived environmental influences on children’s active transport to school. Journal of Transport & Health, 16, 100839. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jth.2020.100839
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