The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

3329.0: Monday, November 11, 2002 - Board 3

Abstract #43864

Replication of a brief intervention to increase the use of selected social cognitive theory variables linked to adult exercise behavior

JS Hallam, PhD, GL Young, and J Baker. Center for Health Promotion, The University of Mississippi, PO BOX 1848, 215 Turner Center, University, MS 38677, 662.915.5140, jhallam@olemiss.edu

Recent research shows that a worksite intervention designed to increase the use of self-regulation, self-efficacy and outcome expectancy values led to the maintenance of exercise behavior of employed adults. This is the only study that has examined the construct validity of a worksite intervention to increase social cognitive theory variables and exercise behavior. The purpose of this study was to replicate that study. Eighty subjects were recruited. The subjects were randomly assigned to treatment (n=40) and control (n=40) groups. Both groups received access to the on-site fitness facility, orientation, and individual exercise program. The treatment group received a four-hour intervention designed to increase self-regulation, self-efficacy and outcome expectancy values. Observations were made at baseline, six weeks and six months. All instruments had established reliability and validity. Significant group x time interactions were found on self-regulation and outcome-expectancy value. Significant differences were found between the groups on self-regulation at six weeks and six months, although both groups increased significantly from baseline to six weeks. Significant differences were found between the groups on outcome-expectancy value with the largest difference at six weeks. No differences were found for self-efficacy between or within the groups. Both groups significantly increased exercise behavior at six weeks; although, at six months 71% of the treatment group was exercising 3-days per week compared to 14% of the control group. These data are similar to the previous study. These data support that changes in the targeted theoretical variables led to sustained increases in exercise behavior.

Learning Objectives:

Keywords: Worksite, Exercise

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Promoting Health at the Worksite

The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA