The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #66005

Michelle Renee Umstattd, MS, CHES, Norman J. Arnold School of Public Health, HPEB, University of South Carolina, 1100 Pulaski St. #227, Columbia, SC 29201, 803-254-1140, mrumstattd@yahoo.com and Jeffrey S Hallam, PhD, AAHB, Center for Health Promotion and Health Behavior, The University of Mississippi, PO Box 1848, 215 Turner Center, University, MS 38677.

Research with young and middle aged adults shows the Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) is a useful framework for developing effective exercise behavior programs. Specifically, self-efficacy, self-regulation and outcome-expectancy value differ significantly between exercising and non-exercising adults. There is limited SCT based exercise behavior research with older adults. Determining if similar differences exist in the older adult population will help in the development of effective and efficient exercise promotion programs for this population. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the degree that self-efficacy, self-regulation and outcome-expectancy value differ between healthy/functioning older adults (> 60y) that exercise at least 3 days per week and those that are sedentary. Data were collected from a convenient sample of older adults (n=98). Each participant completed a valid and reliable questionnaire that measured exercise self-efficacy, self-regulation, outcome-expectancy value and exercise behavior. The sample was primarily Caucasian (62%), female (74%) and the mean age was 72 (range: 60-88). Multivariate analysis of variance was used to examine the data. Significant differences between the groups were found for self-efficacy (p < .001), self-regulation (p < .001) and outcome-expectancy value (p < .001), as well as for the six self-regulation sub-scales: goal setting, self-monitoring, social support, time management, relapse prevention and reinforcements (p < .001). These results will lead to interventions that enhance the selected SCT variables and subsequently increase exercise behavior in older adults. Future research should examine interventions designed to influence self-efficacy, self-regulation and outcome-expectancy value and their mediating or moderating effect on exercise behavior.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to:
• List at least 5 benefits of physical activity for older adults.
• List 3 social cognitive theory variables that are shown to be significantly different between sedentary and regularly exercising older adults.
• List 6 self-regulation skills that are shown to be significantly different between sedentary and regularly exercising older adults.
• List at least 5 significant trends shared between the older, middle age and college age populations when comparing mediating variables of exercise.
• List 1 significant difference found when exercise self-regulation skills of older adults are compared to reported significant self-regulation skills of middle age and college age adults.
• List at least 2 recommendations for future research/practice in the area of mediating variables for older adult exercise.

Keywords: Exercise, Behavioral Research

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.