Until now, research on the determinants of health-promoting physical activity has mainly been conducted within a variable-oriented approach. That is, relations of different variables have been examined on a between-person level, implicitly assuming that individuals are legitimate representations of a single homogeneous population.
In contrast, the person-oriented approach assumes that determinants of human behavior do not act independently of one another, but via a complex interplay within the respective person. Consequently, the main purpose of person-oriented analyses is to identify profiles that exhibit similar patterns across a variety of assessed variables. Person-oriented analyses can serve as a starting point for intervention design, as they reveal the unique potential and demands of profiles that can then be addressed.
We invite researchers to contribute original research—empirical and theoretical—that will improve our understanding of profiles regarding psychosocial or environmental determinants of physical activity and/or sedentary behavior by using a person-oriented approach.
For more information and the submission guidelines please click here