Social cognitive theory as a guide for exercise engagement in persons with multiple sclerosis who use wheelchairs for mobility

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 270-282
Author(s):  
Stephanie L Silveira ◽  
Emma V Richardson ◽  
Robert W Motl

Abstract Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated neurodegenerative disease of the brain, optic nerves and spinal cord. Among persons with MS, 30% experience significant mobility impairment that requires use of a wheelchair for mobility. Exercise is an evidence-based second-line therapy that can improve mobility; however, little research has focused on individuals that use wheelchairs for mobility. Framed by social cognitive theory (SCT), we conducted a formative qualitative study examining exercise status and perceptions among 20 persons with MS who use wheelchairs for mobility. Using deductive, semantic thematic analysis, we coded for SCT variables (i.e. self-efficacy, knowledge, outcome expectations, barriers and facilitators) and identified participants as regular or inconsistent exercisers. In total, 12 participants were classified as regular exercisers and 8 inconsistent exercisers. Regular exercisers more frequently reported high self-efficacy, consistent exercise knowledge and numerous facilitators. All participants reported some positive outcome expectations and several barriers and facilitators. These findings can inform future intervention studies supporting exercise behavior change through SCT. Strategies such as increasing self-efficacy, imparting instructional materials, shaping realistic outcome expectations and providing tools directed toward overcoming barriers and identifying facilitators may work to support the exercise endeavor of persons with MS who use wheelchairs for mobility.

Author(s):  
Stephanie L. Silveira ◽  
Jessica F. Baird ◽  
Robert W. Motl

Three hundred and sixty-three older adults with multiple sclerosis completed a cross-sectional study examining hierarchical correlates of physical activity using a social cognitive theory perspective within a social ecological model (i.e., built environment, social environment, and individual social cognitive theory variables). Hierarchical linear regression analyses were conducted, wherein significant associations were noted for built environment (i.e., land-use mix diversity and aesthetics) and physical activity in Step 1 (R2 = .09). Social and built environment were significant correlates in Step 2 (R2 = .15). Finally in Step 3, individual social cognitive theory variables (i.e., self-efficacy and outcome expectations) were the only significant correlates of total physical activity (R2 = .38). Results were comparable for health-promoting physical activity; however, self-efficacy was the only significant correlate in Step 3 (R2 = .36). This study provides guidance for researchers and practitioners on relevant targets for tailoring interventions for older adults with multiple sclerosis and supports an emphasis on self-efficacy as a primary predictor of health behavior change.


Author(s):  
Dale H. Schunk ◽  
Ellen L. Usher

Social cognitive theory is a theory of human behavior that emphasizes learning from the social environment. This chapter focuses on Bandura’s social cognitive theory, which postulates reciprocal interactions among personal, behavioral, and social/environmental factors. Persons use various vicarious, symbolic, and self-regulatory processes as they strive to develop a sense of agency in their lives. Key motivational processes are goals and self-evaluations of progress, outcome expectations, values, social comparisons, and self-efficacy. People set goals and evaluate their goal progress. The perception of progress sustains self-efficacy and motivation. Individuals act in accordance with their values and strive for outcomes they desire. Social comparisons with others provide further information on their learning and goal attainment. Self-efficacy is a critical influence on motivation and affects task choices, effort, persistence, and achievement. Recommendations are made for future research.


Author(s):  
Dale H. Schunk ◽  
Ellen L. Usher

Social cognitive theory is a theory of psychological functioning that emphasizes learning from the social environment. This chapter focuses on Bandura's social cognitive theory, which postulates reciprocal interactions among personal, behavioral, and social/environmental factors. Persons use various vicarious, symbolic, and self-regulatory processes as they strive to develop a sense of agency in their lives. Key motivational processes are goals and self-evaluations of progress, outcome expectations, values, social comparisons, and self-efficacy. People set goals and evaluate their goal progress. The perception of progress sustains self-efficacy and motivation. Individuals act in accordance with their values and strive for outcomes they desire. Social comparisons with others provide further information on their learning and goal attainment. Self-efficacy is an especially critical influence on motivation and affects task choices, effort, persistence, and achievement. Suggestions are given for future research directions.


2020 ◽  
pp. 0000-0000
Author(s):  
Jessica F. Baird ◽  
Stephanie L. Silveira ◽  
Robert W. Motl

Abstract Background: The expanding population of older adults with multiple sclerosis (MS) likely experience many of the same benefits of physical activity as younger and middle-aged adults with MS. However, participation in physical activity is exceedingly low in this particular segment of the MS population. This study examined variables from social cognitive theory (SCT) as correlates of physical activity in older adults with MS, as this might inform the subsequent development of behavioral interventions. Methods: Older adults with MS (≥60 years, N = 180) completed an online survey including demographics and clinical characteristics, SCT variables (exercise self-efficacy, exercise goal setting, social support, and outcome expectations), and physical activity (total physical activity (PA) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA)). Results: Bivariate correlation analyses indicated that all SCT variables were significantly associated with both PA and MVPA (all P values ≤ .001). Hierarchical linear regression analyses indicated that disability status was a significant correlate of PA (β = −0.48; R2 = 0.23) and MVPA (β = −0.44; R2 = 0.19) in Step 1; disability and self-efficacy were significant correlates of PA (disability β = −0.20; self-efficacy β = 0.59; R2 = 0.50) and MVPA (disability β = −0.16; self-efficacy β = 0.60; R2 = 0.47) in Step 2; and disability, self-efficacy, and exercise goal setting were significant correlates of PA (disability β = −0.21; self-efficacy β = 0.50; exercise goal setting β = 0.14; R2 = 0.55) and MVPA (disability β = −0.17; self-efficacy β = 0.51; exercise goal setting β = 0.15; R2 = 0.51) in Step 3. Conclusions: Our results suggest that behavioral interventions targeting self-efficacy and exercise goal setting as targets from SCT may be appropriate for increasing physical activity in older adults with MS.


2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. NP176-NP187 ◽  
Author(s):  
Myles D. Young ◽  
Ronald C. Plotnikoff ◽  
Clare E. Collins ◽  
Robin Callister ◽  
Philip J. Morgan

Physical inactivity is a leading contributor to the burden of disease in men. Social–cognitive theories may improve physical activity (PA) interventions by identifying which variables to target to maximize intervention impact. This study tested the utility of Bandura’s social cognitive theory (SCT) to explain men’s PA during a 3-month weight loss program. Participants were 204 overweight/obese men ( M [ SD] age = 46.6 [11.3] years; body mass index = 33.1 [3.5] kg/m2). A longitudinal, latent variable structural equation model tested the associations between SCT constructs (i.e., self-efficacy, outcome expectations, intention, and social support) and self-reported moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) and examined the total PA variance explained by SCT. After controlling for Time 1 cognitions and behavior, the model fit the data well (χ2 = 73.9, degrees of freedom = 39, p < .001; normed χ2 = 1.9; comparative fit index = 0.96; standardized root mean residual = 0.059) and explained 65% of the variance in MVPA at Time 2. At Time 2, self-efficacy demonstrated the largest direct and total effects on MVPA (βdirect = .45, p < .001; βtotal = .67, p = .002). A small-to-medium effect was observed from intention to MVPA, but not from outcome expectations or social support. This study provides some evidence supporting the tenets of SCT when examining PA behavior in overweight and obese men. Future PA and weight loss interventions for men may benefit by targeting self-efficacy and intention, but the utility of targeting social support and outcome expectations requires further examination.


Author(s):  
Rui She ◽  
Xi Chen ◽  
Liping Li ◽  
Lijuan Li ◽  
Zepeng Huang ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective: To examine the associations between factors based on the Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) and behavioral intention of free and self-paid (600 RMB or 91 USD) COVID-19 vaccination of 80% effectiveness and rare mild side effects among doctors and nurses in China. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Public hospitals. Participants: 362 doctors and 1702 nurses in major departments of five hospitals of three Chinese provinces. Methods: An anonymous online survey was conducted from October to November 2020, facilitated by hospital administrators through online WeChat/QQ working groups. Data on outcome expectations, self-efficacy, norms, and COVID-19-related work experiences were collected. Multivariate logistic regression models were used for data analysis. Results: The logistic regression analysis showed that physical (e.g., protective effect of vaccination) and self-evaluative outcome expectations (e.g., anticipated regret), self-efficacy, norms (e.g., descriptive norm, subjective norm, professional norm, and moral norm), and job satisfaction were significantly and positively associated with the free and self-paid COVID-19 vaccination intention outcomes among doctors and nurses, adjusted for background variables. Doctors who had engaged in COVID-19-related work reported higher self-paid vaccination intention. Conclusions: Health promotion is needed to improve the uptake of COVID-19 vaccination among healthcare workers. Such interventions may consider modifying the identified factors of vaccination intention, including strengthening perceived efficacy, positive feelings about vaccination, the need to avoid future regret, self-efficacy, and social norms. Future studies should examine the actual behavior patterns of COVID-19 vaccination and testing the efficacy of promotion intervention through randomized controlled studies.


2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 129-135 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcin Kacper Uszynski ◽  
Blathin Casey ◽  
Sara Hayes ◽  
Stephen Gallagher ◽  
Helen Purtill ◽  
...  

Background: There is a growing body of evidence that physical activity (PA) improves symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS). Despite the benefits of PA, people with MS are relatively inactive compared with their healthy counterparts. This study investigated associations between social cognitive theory (SCT) constructs and energy expenditure (EE) as an objective measure of PA in a sample of inactive people with MS. Methods: Participants (n = 65) completed several questionnaires and were assessed using standardized outcome measures as part of a cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from a randomized controlled trial (Step it Up). Results: The bivariate correlation analysis indicated that of all SCT constructs, only exercise self-efficacy was significantly correlated with EE (r = 0.297, P = .022). Multiple linear regression analysis found that exercise self-efficacy independently explained 9% of the variance in EE (R2 = 0.088). A model including exercise self-efficacy, exercise goal setting, exercise planning, and exercise benefits explained 17% of the variance in EE (F4,54 = 2.741, P = .038, R2 = 0.169). In this model, only exercise self-efficacy was significantly associated with EE scores (Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale β = .320, P = .016). Conclusions: The constructs of SCT explained little of the variance of objectively measured PA in a sample of inactive people with MS who volunteered for an exercise trial. The only significant variable was exercise self-efficacy, which confirms the importance of enhancing it through PA interventions.


2013 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 130-142 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gio Valiante ◽  
David B. Morris

The purpose of this study was to explore the self-efficacy beliefs of male professional golfers (N = 12). Three themes emerged from the qualitative analysis of interview responses. First, enactive mastery experiences were the most powerful source of self-efficacy. Second, golfers maintained high self-efficacy over time by recalling prior success, strategically framing experiences, and enlisting supportive verbal persuasions from themselves and from others. Finally, self-efficacy influenced professional golfers’ thought patterns, outcome expectations, and emotional states. Findings support and refine the theoretical tenets of Bandura’s social cognitive theory.


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