scholarly journals Self-Regulatory Imagery and Physical Activity in Middle-Aged and Older Adults: A Social-Cognitive Perspective

2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 14-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria-Christina Kosteli ◽  
Jennifer Cumming ◽  
Sarah E. Williams

Limited research has investigated exercise imagery use in middle-aged and older adults and its relationship with affective and behavioral correlates. The study examined the association between self-regulatory imagery and physical activity (PA) through key social cognitive variables. Middle-aged and older adults (N = 299; M age = 59.73 years, SD = 7.73, range = 50 to 80) completed self-report measures assessing self-regulatory imagery use, self-efficacy, outcome expectations, perceived barriers, self-regulatory behavior, enjoyment, and PA levels. Path analysis supported a model (χ² [14] = 21.76, p = .08, CFI = .99, TLI = .97, SRMR = .03, RMSEA = .04) whereby self-regulatory imagery positively predicted self-efficacy, outcome expectations, and self-regulatory behaviors. Furthermore, self-regulatory imagery indirectly predicted barriers, outcome expectations, self-regulation, enjoyment, and PA. This research highlights self-regulatory imagery as an effective strategy in modifying exercise-related cognitions and behaviors. Incorporating social cognitive constructs into the design of imagery interventions may increase PA engagement.

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eileen Smith Anderson-Bill ◽  
Richard A. Winett ◽  
Janet R. Wojcik ◽  
David M. Williams

Part oneof this study investigated the effect of aging on social-cognitive characteristics related to physical activity (PA) among adults in the baseline phase of a health promotion intervention. Participants' questionnaire responses and activity logs indicated PA levels and self-efficacy declined with age, while social support and the use of self-regulatory behaviors (e.g., goal setting, planning, and keeping track) increased. With age participants were also less likely to expect PA to interfere with their daily routines and social obligations. Part two of the study was among overweight/obese, inactive participants completing the intervention; it examined whether improvements in psychosocial variables might counteract declining PA associated with age. After treatment, participants were more active and decreased body weight regardless of age, and improved self-efficacy, outcome expectations, and self-regulatory behaviors. In a causal model, increases in self-efficacy at 7-months lead to increased PA levels and, albeit marginally, weight loss at 16 months; increased PA was associated with greater weight loss. Aging adults who were more confident exercised more and as a result lost more weight. This longitudinal study suggests interventions that offset the effect of aging on self-efficacy may be more successful in helping older participants become more active and avoid weight gain.


2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 196-204 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiri Mudrak ◽  
Pavel Slepicka ◽  
Steriani Elavsky

We tested a social cognitive model of physical activity (PA) in the cultural context of the Czech Republic, a postcommunist central European country. In total, 546 older Czech adults (mean age = 68 years, data collected in 2013) completed a battery of questionnaires assessing indicators of PA and related social cognitive constructs, including self-efficacy, social support, and self-regulation strategies. Subsequently, a structural equation model was used to test the relationship between the social cognitive constructs and PA. Our analyses indicated an acceptable fit of the proposed model (CFI = .911; SRMR = .046; RMSEA = .073). Self-regulation was predicted by self-efficacy (β = .67) and social support (β = .23), which predicted PA (β = .45). The model explained 60.4% of the variance in PA self-regulation and 20.5% of the variance in PA participation. The results provide further evidence for the role of self-efficacy and social support in enabling PA in older adults, and suggest that this relationship is partially mediated by self-regulation.


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.


2018 ◽  
Vol 52 (9) ◽  
pp. 855-861 ◽  
Author(s):  
Betsy Sleath ◽  
Daniel Gratie ◽  
Delesha Carpenter ◽  
Scott A. Davis ◽  
Charles Lee ◽  
...  

Background: Many factors affect youth adherence to asthma medications. Better understanding of the relationship between problems reported by youth in using asthma medications, self-efficacy, outcome expectations, and adherence is needed. Objective: The study examined the relationship between youth and caregiver problems in using asthma medications, asthma management self-efficacy, outcome expectations, and youth- and caregiver-reported adherence to asthma controller medications. Methods: Adolescents with persistent asthma and their caregivers were recruited at 4 pediatric practices. Youth were interviewed after their medical visit while caregivers completed a questionnaire. Multivariable linear regression was used to analyze the data. Results: Of 359 participating youth, 319 were on controller medications. Youth reported 60% average adherence, whereas caregivers reported 69%. Youth who reported difficulty using their inhaler correctly and youth who reported difficulty remembering to take their medications were significantly less likely to be adherent. Caregivers who reported that it was hard to remember when to give the asthma medications were significantly less likely to report their child being adherent. Both youth and caregivers with higher outcome expectations were significantly more likely to self-report being adherent. Conclusions: Pharmacists and other health care providers should consider asking youth and caregivers about problems in using asthma medications, self-efficacy in managing asthma, and outcome expectations for following treatment regimens, so that they can help youth overcome difficulties they might have in managing their asthma.


2011 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 626-635 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yoojin Suh ◽  
Madeline Weikert ◽  
Deirdre Dlugonski ◽  
Brian Sandroff ◽  
Robert W. Motl

Background:Persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) are often physically inactive and sedentary. This observation has prompted the search for modifiable variables derived from established theories that act as correlates of physical activity. Such variables would presumably represent targets for interventions designed to promote change in physical activity behavior among persons with MS. The current study examined social cognitive variables as correlates of physical activity in persons with MS.Methods:Persons (N = 218) with relapsing-remitting MS completed a questionnaire battery that assessed physical activity behavior; self-efficacy for physical activity; physical, social, and self-evaluative outcome expectations for exercise, functional limitations as an impediment for physical activity, and exercise goal-setting. The battery was delivered and returned through the US postal service. Data were analyzed using covariance modeling in Mplus 3.0.Results:Self-efficacy had indirect effects on physical activity via impediments (path coefficient = .10, P < .005), self-evaluative outcome expectations (path coefficient = .07, P < .025), and goal-setting (path coefficient = .09, P < .01). The model explained 40% of variance in self-reported physical activity.Conclusions:This cross-sectional study suggests that self-efficacy is indirectly associated with physical activity by way of goals, self-evaluative outcome expectations, and impediments in persons with relapsing-remitting MS.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ritu Sharma ◽  
Amy E. Latimer-Cheung ◽  
John Cairney ◽  
Kelly P. Arbour-Nicitopoulos

Background: Physical activity (PA) interventions are limited in number and reach for youth with physical disabilities (YPD) who experience systemic barriers that may preclude their in-person participation. Further, a lack of theory in the development and evaluation of PA interventions impedes our understanding and replication of active components of behavior change. These limitations pose challenges in the effective promotion of PA in YPD. Theory-based and more inclusive methods of PA intervention delivery must be explored in our efforts to promote PA and overall health in YPD.Methods: A pilot study was conducted to evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of an online, 4-week social cognitive theory-based PA intervention for YPD. Intervention feasibility (implementation fidelity, intervention compliance, and intervention acceptability) was evaluated through manual documentation, weekly feedback questionnaires, and open-ended feedback at 1-month post-intervention. Targeted social cognitive (outcome expectations, self-efficacy [task, self-regulatory, barrier] and self-regulation) and PA behavior outcomes were self-reported at baseline and 1-week and 1-month post-intervention.Results: Sixteen YPD (Mage = 17.4 ± 2.7 years, 69% female) completed the study. Intervention feasibility was supported by high implementation fidelity (100%), high intervention compliance (&gt;90%), and positive ratings on indicators of acceptability for all weeks of the intervention (weekly feedback questionnaire means ranging from 5.74 to 6.19 out of 7). Through open-ended feedback, participants indicated the intervention was easy to use and understand, favorably shifted their self-awareness and personal meaning of PA, and provided value and potential for future use pertaining to the learned self-regulation skills and strategies. Participants also provided formatting and content recommendations for intervention improvement. Repeated measures ANOVAs showed significant and large effect sizes for changes in participants' task (p = 0.01, n2p = 0.28) and barrier (p = 0.02, n2p = 0.24) self-efficacy, goal-setting and planning and scheduling behaviors (ps &lt; 0.001, n2ps = 0.42), and self-reported PA behavior (p = 0.02, n2p = 0.26).Conclusions: An online PA intervention for YPD is feasible and may offer potential benefit through the enhancement of self-efficacy, self-regulation, and PA behavior. Continued research is necessary to understand the efficacy and longer-term outcomes of online, theory-based interventions for YPD as a PA promotion strategy.


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