Perceived barriers, coping strategies, and self-regulatory efficacy to cope: An examination of sufficiently and insufficiently physically active middle-aged and older women

Most middle-aged and older women are not sufficiently physically active to achieve health benefits. To address the low rates of physical activity (PA), theory-based correlates such as perceived barriers, coping strategies used to overcome barriers, and the related confidence to use coping strategies (i.e., self-regulatory efficacy [SRE]) should be examined. Previous research has identified barriers among middle-aged to older women however, such research did not examine differences and/or similarities among sufficiently active (SA) and insufficiently active (IA) women. To advance the research, an understanding of how successful individuals (i.e., SA) regularly perform PA, versus unsuccessful individuals (i.e., IA), can provide valuable insight into the development of interventions. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to: (1) identify perceived barriers that hinder PA and the extent of limitation of each barrier, (2) identify coping strategies and the SRE for performing each coping strategy, and (3) examine whether overall barrier limitation and SRE significantly differed between IA and SA middle-aged to older women. Participants were 109 women aged 50-75, who completed a 20-minute survey. Based on results from a constant comparative method and a multivariate analysis of variance, participants reported many barriers and coping strategies, with IA women reporting significantly higher barrier limitation, F(1,107) = 15.50, p < .0001, d = .36. Future research should continue to examine barriers specific to middle-aged and older women, coping strategies, and related SRE. Findings from this study can guide the design of theory-driven interventions targeting middle-aged and older women who struggle with adherence to PA.