Associations between dimensions of self-regulation and health behaviour: Factor analysis and predictive study

Background: Self-regulation predicts optimal adjustment, wellbeing and interpersonal functioning. Aspects of self-regulation are differentially important across behaviour types, but this is not well understood. Further, the diverse abilities and measures considered dispute the underlying constructs and assessment methods. This study aims to explore the relevance of self-regulation to various behaviour types and the underlying factors and items reflecting it. Method: Australian participants (N = 692) completed a two-part online questionnaire assessing their self-regulatory abilities at time one, and engagement in one of four health behaviours of varying nature (approach vs avoidance), complexity (onsestep vs multistep) and context (supportive vs unsupportive), and demographics at time two. Data was analysed via exploratory factor analysis to explore the underlying factors and items of self-regulation, and hierarchical multiple regression analyses to explore the relevance of self-regulation to each behaviour. Results: Eight factors underlying self-regulation were identified. Self-regulation was more predictive of avoidance, onestep behaviours in supportive contexts than approach, multistep behaviours in unsupportive contexts. Initiatory and inhibitory aspects were more predictive of approach and unsupported behaviours, and avoidance and supported behaviours respectively. But issues regarding behavioural complexity categorisations may influence interpretations of findings across onestep vs multistep behaviours. Conclusion: Behavioural interventions should consider initiatory and inhibitory self-regulation to optimise changing approach and unsupported, and avoidance and supported behaviours respectively. But researchers should clarify behavioural complexity categorisations to better understand self-regulatory influences of simple and complex behaviours. Hence, we may improve synthesis and translation of findings in practical settings.