Exercise Behavior of Malaysian Fresh Graduates: a Transtheoretical Model Approach

Tan, Melisa Yi Xuan (2025) Exercise Behavior of Malaysian Fresh Graduates: a Transtheoretical Model Approach. Final Year Project (Bachelor), Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology.

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Abstract

With the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) serving as a guiding framework, the purpose of this study is to investigate the exercise behavior patterns of recent graduates from Malaysia who are residing in the Klang Valley. In order to determine the extent to which certain factors, such as the Stages of Change, Self-Efficacy, Decision Balance, and Processes of Change, have an impact on the amount of physical activity that fresh graduates engage in, this study investigates these factors. A total of 341 individuals, ranging in age from 18 to 31, took part in the research project by filling out structured questionnaires. These questionnaires included the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (LTEQ), the Stages of Change (SOC) questionnaire, the Self-efficacy Questionnaire, the Processes of Change (POC) Questionnaire, and the Decision Balance (DB) Questionnaire. The data showed that a significant proportion of recent graduates had a decrease in their levels of physical activity after entering the workforce, with many of them migrating to lower stages of change. While self-efficacy was found to have a substantial positive correlation with both the Stages of Change and levels of physical activity, decision balance was also found to have a favorable link with exercise behavior. The cognitive and behavioral processes of change were not directly associated to levels of physical activity; rather, they were marginally connected to the Stages of Change, which suggests that they have an influence on the intents to engage in physical activity. This research highlights the transitional issues that newly graduated individuals encounter when adjusting to new work situations, which almost always results in a reduction in the amount of physical activity they engage in. Because these techniques have the potential to assist recent graduates in maintaining healthier lives, the findings indicate to the potential benefits of tailored interventions that focus on building self-efficacy and promoting the advantages of physical exercise. These findings provide valuable information that can be utilized by governments, employers, and wellness practitioners in order to encourage recent graduates in their efforts to lead active lives.