Abstract

Theories of health behavior are usually tested on the between-person level. Associations
between variables on the between- and the within-person level, however, can differ substantially. Thus,
in order to better understand intrapersonal processes in the domain of health behavior, studies applying
within-person analyses are needed. This study tested the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) on the
within- and between-person level in the context of physical exercise. Design: Participants were 265
first-year students who completed nine online questionnaires every second week. Data were analyzed by
focusing on intrapersonal associations applying multilevel modeling. Main Outcome Measures: Intentions
for physical exercise and self-reported physical exercise served as main outcome measures. Results:
Analyses mainly confirm associations specified by the HAPA at the intrapersonal level: outcome
expectancies and self-efficacy, but not risk awareness, were positively associated with intentions for
physical exercise. Physical exercise in turn was positively associated with intentions, self-efficacy, action
control, but not with action planning. Conclusion: The HAPA could be confirmed on the within-person
level. Future studies should focus on testing other theories of health behavior at the within-person level.