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Research on exercise identity (EXID) indicates that it is related to negative affect when exercisers are inconsistent or relapse. Although identity theory suggests that causal attributions about this inconsistency elicit negative self-conscious emotions of shame and guilt, no EXID studies have examined this for exercise relapse. Weiner's attribution-based theory of interpersonal motivation (2010) offers a means of testing the attribution-emotion link. Using both frameworks, we examined whether EXID and attributional properties predicted negative emotions for exercise relapse. Participants (n = 224) read an exercise relapse vignette, and then completed EXID, attributions, and emotion measures. Hierarchical multiple regression models using EXID and the attributional property of controllability significantly predicted each of shame and guilt, R² adjusted = .09, ps ≤ .001. Results support identity theory suggestions and Weiner's specific attribution-emotion hypothesis. This first demonstration of an interlinking of EXID, controllability, and negative self-conscious emotions offers more predictive utility using complementary theories than either theory alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined Identity Theory hypotheses about identity-behaviour consistency. Exercise-identity strength and judgments about consistency were hypothesized to relate to perceptions of percent consistency and frequency of vigorous exercise. Identity strength and percent consistency were hypothesized to interact in their relationship with affective reactions to extent of consistency. Measures of exercise-identity strength, perceived consistency, exercise frequency, self-regulatory efficacy and consistency-related affect were completed by 528 exercisers. Exercise-identity strength and consistency judgments related to percent consistency and exercise frequency. Exercise-identity strength and percent consistency interacted in their relationship with consistency-related affect and also were related to self-regulatory efficacy. Copyright © 2009 SAGE Publications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined the influence of proxy-assistance on exercisers' social cognitions and behavior. Fifty-six fitness class participants reported preference for proxy-assistance and reacted to exercising in different contexts. A 2 (proxy-led vs self-managed exercise context) by 2 (preferred assistance) MANOVA revealed significant assistance by context interactions for self-regulatory efficacy (SRE) and difficulty. Regarding self-managed exercise, high-assistance individuals expressed lower SRE and higher difficulty. Chi-square analysis revealed that significantly fewer high-assistance participants chose self-managed exercise. A one-way MANOVA on preferred assistance indicated that high-assistance participants were less confident, satisfied and perceived their self-managed exercise as more difficult. Results support Bandura's theorizing that use of a proxy can limit SRE of those preferring the proxy's control of their behavior. Copyright © 2007 SAGE Publications Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined: (a) the social-cognitions of those who differ in preferred level of proxy-assistance in both proxy-led and independent exercise contexts; and (b) the relationships between proxy-agency and reliance. Sixty-five fitness class participants completed measures of self-regulatory efficacy, task self-efficacy, exercise intentions, proxy-efficacy and perceived reliance. A 2 (exercise context) by 2 (preferred assistance) MANOVA revealed significant main effects for assistance and context. Also, significant assistance by context interactions was found for both efficacies. When facing exercise without a proxy, individuals preferring high proxy assistance expressed lower self-regulatory and task self-efficacy. Finally, proxy- and self-regulatory efficacy were shown to be separate predictors of reliance on a proxy. Results support Bandura's theorizing about the proxy-led context and its influence on self-regulatory efficacy. Copyright © 2006 SAGE Publications Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For individuals who experience cancer, regular adherence to physical activity has been shown to provide benefits ranging from alleviation of symptoms to improvements in physical function and quality of life. However, research about barriers to participation that compromise adherence and subsequent benefits has been identified as needed. The purposes of this article were to (1) systematically review the barriers to research and make recommendations, (2) consider unique symptoms of disease and treatment regarding their barrier-related impact on exercise therapy, and (3) present an organizational framework that will aid the investigation and understanding of barriers as they affect adherence to prescribed exercise therapy for cancer treatment and recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Examine feasibility and acceptability of a group-mediated cognitive-behavioral (GMCB) intervention targeting planned, self-managed physical activity (PA)., Design: Sequential mixed methods, single arm pre-/post-test design with a 4-week follow-up., Participants: Post-treatment gynecologic cancer survivors., Methods: Participants attended 8 weekly facilitator-led group sessions and completed assessments at baseline, post-intervention and follow-up. Feasibility was assessed by recruitment rate, retention rate, capture of outcomes, intervention usability and intervention fidelity. Acceptability was examined via qualitative interviews. Preliminary estimates of intervention effectiveness (PA, PA social cognitions and sleep) were collected., Findings: 355 participants were approached and 38 consented. Twenty took part in the study and 17 (85%) completed the intervention. Thematic content analysis revealed positive group experiences. Cognitive-behavioral strategies were beneficial. Goal-setting and shared cancer recovery experience facilitated connection among group members., Implications: Program acceptability was high among a diverse sample of gynecologic cancer survivors and delivery of the program is feasible to this group of gynecologic cancer survivors. Recruitment challenges were present but study retention was high.

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) impairs muscular function and limits individuals' ability to perform everyday activities requiring mobility. People with MS frequently exhibit mobility problems (ie, slower walking speed, shorter strides). General exercise training (eg, resistance, aerobic) provides modest physiological and walking mobility benefits. However, researchers suggest tailoring of interventions to address mobility specifically. We conducted a phase 2a pre-post intervention development study (Obesity-Related Behavioral Intervention Trials [ORBIT] intervention development model) of mobility exercise plus cognitive behavioral counseling to improve function and social cognitions known to encourage exercise., Methods: The intervention was conducted twice per week for 8 weeks followed by 1 month of self-managed mobility exercise. Participants (N = 29; mean ± SD age = 52.24 ± 11.36 years, mean time since MS diagnosis ≥11 years) were assessed at baseline and after follow-up for mobility function, social cognitions, and intervention fidelity indicators., Results: Results indicated significant improvements in a variety of valid measures of mobility function (eg, 400-m walk), self-regulatory efficacy for mobility exercise and symptom control, and fidelity measures with small to medium effect sizes., Conclusions: Positive findings suggest that the intervention seems to merit testing as a randomized pilot study following the ORBIT model., Competing Interests: Financial Disclosures: The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (© 2021 Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers.)

Objectives: Physical activity is essential for long-term chronic pain management, yet individuals struggle to participate. Exercise professionals, including fitness instructors, and personal trainers, are preferred delivery agents for education and instruction on chronic pain, physical activity, and strategies to use adherence-promoting behavioral skills. However, exercise professionals receive no relevant training during certification or continuing education opportunities to effectively support their participants living with chronic pain. Based on the ORBIT model for early pre-efficacy phases of development and testing of new behavioral treatments, the present Phase IIa proof-of-concept study was conducted. The purpose was to examine the impacts of a newly developed chronic pain and physical activity training workshop on psychosocial outcomes among exercise professionals. Outcomes included knowledge and attitudes regarding chronic pain, attitudes and beliefs about the relationship between pain and impairment, and self-efficacy to educate and instruct participants with chronic pain., Methods: Forty-eight exercise professionals ( M age =44.4±11.0 years) participated in a three-hour, in-person workshop that was offered at one of four different locations. Participants completed pre- and post-workshop outcome assessment surveys., Results: Mixed MANOVA results comparing time (pre- versus post-workshop) by workshop location (sites 1 to 4) illustrated a significant within-subjects time effect ( p <0.001). All outcomes significantly improved from pre- to post-workshop ( p 's<0.001), demonstrating large effect sizes (partial eta-squared values ranging from 0.45 to 0.59)., Conclusions: Findings offer early phase preliminary support for the effectiveness of the chronic pain and physical activity training workshop for exercise professionals. Based on ORBIT model recommendations, findings warrant future phased testing via a pilot randomized clinical trial as well as testing for impacts that trained professionals have on activity adherence among their clients living with chronic pain. Eventual workshop adoption by exercise professional certification organizations would ensure widespread and sustainable access to qualified exercise professionals to help individuals engage in physical activity. By increasing the capacity of available exercise professionals to deliver effective support, active individuals could better manage their chronic pain and live well., (© 2020 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston.)

Purpose: Self-regulatory efficacy (SRE) is a psychological resource necessary for cardiac rehabilitation (CR) exercise adoption and maintenance. A 2008 review of self-efficacy for CR exercise identified the need for more high-quality research on SRE. The present review had 4 purposes: (a) to review the characteristics of empirical SRE and CR exercise research since 2008; (b) to examine the quality of SRE measurement; (c) to determine whether varying quality of SRE measurement moderated the relationship between SRE, exercise, and CR social cognitions; and (d) to make recommendations for better measurement for future research., Method: An initial search of 766 possible studies identified 29 for review. These included individuals engaged in or completing CR where SRE for exercise and relevant outcomes was assessed. Meta-analysis examined whether SRE measurement quality was associated with the magnitude of effects observed and to determine potential moderation by quality., Results: There were 11 unique operationalizations of SRE for exercise. Problematic factors included: non-SRE variables assessed as the construct, using global versus specific measures, and lack of a time frame over which SRE applied. Effect size was related to stronger relationships as level of study and measurement quality increased., Conclusion: Since 2008, an increase in studies examining SRE and CR exercise was observed. To advance SRE and CR exercise research, measurement and research quality improvements are recommended that have implications for future mediation and CR intervention assessment. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

Videoconferencing is a novel method for overcoming time and transportation barriers to leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) interventions. This study examined the feasibility of a group videoconference intervention on LTPA self-regulatory skills training in a sample of nine adults with spinal cord injury (SCI). Session implementation checklists and self-report surveys were administered during four weekly sessions to assess intervention management, group processes, intervention resources, and initial efficacy. Attendance rate was high (91.7%), and the average weekly session duration was 79.6 min. Participants reported high ratings of group cohesion, facilitator collaboration, session content comprehension, and ease in operating the videoconference platform. Knowledge sharing among the group ranged from 18 to 58 exchanges per session, demonstrating learning and group cohesion. LTPA frequency increased among 44% of participants, and 22% of participants achieved the SCI-specific aerobic guidelines. Overall, group videoconferencing holds promise for LTPA support among adults with SCI. Long-term research is warranted to test LTPA self-regulatory and behavioral effects.

Background: Research about exercise adherence amongst adults with arthritis has been largely correlational, and theoretically based causal studies are needed. We used an experimental design to test the social cognitive theory premise that high self-efficacy helps to overcome challenging barriers to action., Methods: Exercising individuals (N = 86; female = 78%; M age = 53; BMI = 27) with differential self-regulatory efficacy for managing salient, non-disease barriers were randomly assigned to many or few barrier conditions. Individuals responded about the strength of their anticipated persistence to continue exercise, and their self-regulatory efficacy to use exercise-enabling coping strategies., Results: In the many barriers condition, higher barriers-efficacy individuals expressed (a) greater persistence (Cohen's d = 0.75 [-0.029, 1.79]) and (b) more confidence in their coping solutions (Cohen's d = 0.65 [-0.30, 1.60]) than lower barriers-efficacy counterparts., Conclusion: Experimental support was obtained for the theoretical premise that when facing the greatest barrier challenge, individuals highest in self-regulatory efficacy still view exercise as possible. Findings suggest that identifying lower efficacy exercisers with arthritis to tailor their exercise to increase self-regulatory efficacy might also improve their adherence., (© 2018 The International Association of Applied Psychology.)

Exercise-related cognitive errors reflect biased processing of exercise-relevant information. The purpose of this study was to examine whether differences existed between individuals reporting low and high exercise-related cognitive errors on information processed about a relevant exercise decision-making situation. In all, 138 adults completed an online questionnaire. The high exercise-related cognitive error group primarily focused on negative content about the situation compared to the low exercise-related cognitive error group who focused on both positive and negative content. The high exercise-related cognitive error group displayed biased processing of exercise information, as suggested by the cognitive errors model. Future research should examine whether biasing information processing caused by exercise-related cognitive errors can be modified and attenuated.

This article compared the effect of dietary weight loss administered alone (WL) or in combination with aerobic training (WL + AT) or resistance training (WL + RT) on health related quality of life, walking self-efficacy, stair climb self-efficacy, and satisfaction with physical function in older adults with cardiovascular disease or the metabolic syndrome. Participants (N = 249; M age  = 66.9) engaged in baseline assessments and were randomly assigned to one of three interventions, each including a 6-month intensive phase and a 12-month follow-up. Those in WL + AT and WL + RT engaged in 4 days of exercise training weekly. All participants engaged in weekly group behavioral weight loss sessions with a goal of 7-10% reduction in body weight. Participants in WL + AT and WL + RT reported better quality of life and satisfaction with physical function at 6- and 18-months relative to WL. At month 6, WL + AT reported greater walking self-efficacy relative to WL + RT and WL, and maintained higher scores compared to WL at month 18. WL + AT and WL + RT reported greater stair climbing efficacy at month 6, and WL + RT remained significantly greater than WL at month 18. The addition of either AT or RT to WL differentially improved HRQOL and key psychosocial outcomes associated with maintenance of physical activity and weight loss. This underscores the important role of exercise in WL for older adults, and suggests health care providers should give careful consideration to exercise mode when designing interventions.

Background: Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) exercise therapy facilitates patient recovery and better health following a cardiovascular event. However, post-CR adherence to self-managed (SM)-exercise is suboptimal. Part of this problem may be participants' view of CR staff as mainly responsible for help and program structure. Does post-CR exercise adherence for those perceiving high CR staff responsibility suffer as a consequence?, Methods: Participants in this prospective, observational study were followed over 12 weeks of CR and one month afterward. High perceived staff responsibility individuals were examined for a decline in the strength of adherence-related social cognitions and exercise. Those high and low in perceived staff responsibility were also compared., Results: High perceived staff responsibility individuals reported significant declines in anticipated exercise persistence (d = .58) and number of different SM-exercise options (d = .44). High versus low responsibility comparisons revealed a significant difference in one-month post-CR SM-exercise volume (d = .67). High perceived staff responsibility individuals exercised half of the amount of low responsibility counterparts at one month post-CR. Perceived staff responsibility and CR SRE significantly predicted SM-exercise volume, R 2 adj = .10, and persistence, R 2 adj = .18, one month post-CR., Conclusion: Viewing helpful well-trained CR staff as mainly responsible for participant behavior may be problematic for post-CR exercise maintenance among those more staff dependent., (© 2017 The International Association of Applied Psychology.)

Background: The study of exercise adherence during an arthritis flare is recommended by arthritis researchers. Studies to date have been correlational., Methods: Social cognitions of exercising individuals with arthritis who consider exercise adherence under different levels of challenge of an arthritis flare were examined using an experimental design. Exercising individuals with differential self-regulatory efficacy for managing arthritis flare symptoms (SRE-flare) were randomly assigned to conditions where flare symptoms were perceived as either many or few. Individuals in each condition responded about the strength of their anticipated persistence to continue exercise, and their self-regulatory efficacy to use coping strategies to enable exercise., Results: Higher SRE-flare individuals expressed significantly (a) greater persistence (Cohen's d = 1.17) and (b) more confidence to use their flare coping solutions (Cohen's d = 1.44)., Conclusion: Main findings were as hypothesised. When exposed to the condition with more limiting flare symptoms (i.e. greater challenge), high SRE participants were the most confident in dealing with flare symptoms and exercising. Identifying lower SRE-flare individuals less likely to persist with exercise during arthritis flares may improve tailored exercise counselling., (© 2017 The International Association of Applied Psychology.)

Background and Aims: Pain acceptance, measured by the chronic pain acceptance questionnaire (CPAQ), is related to exercise adherence for those with arthritis. The CPAQ measure has 20 items comprising two subscales -- pain willingness and activities engagement about pursuing "valued daily activities" despite pain. However, exercise is not specified as a valued activity and respondents may be considering other activities raising generalizability and strength of prediction concerns., Methods: Accordingly, a modified CPAQ solely for exercise (CPAQ-E) was developed to heighten salience to pursuit of exercise in the face of pain. An exercising sample with arthritis (N=98) completed the CPAQ-E at baseline and exercise 2 weeks later. Exploratory factor analysis of the CPAQ-E was performed using Mplus. Regression was used to predict exercise., Results: Analysis revealed a two-factor, 14 item model with good psychometric properties reflecting pain willingness and activities engagement subscales (χ 2 =85.695, df=64, p<.037; RMSEA=.055; CFI=.967; TLI=.954). Both subscales and the total score positively predicted future weekly exercise bouts (range ps from <.05 to <.001). Activities engagement predicted future weekly exercise volume (p<.05)., Conclusions: This study offers preliminary support for the factorial and predictive validity of the CPAQ-E among exercising individuals with arthritis., Implications: This measure could help researchers increase the specificity and sensitivity of pain acceptance responses to exercising among individuals with arthritis. A more sensitive measure might help clinicians interpret patient responses to exercise for pain self-management., (Copyright © 2017 Scandinavian Association for the Study of Pain. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

This study examined psychological differences between individuals (1) with varying perceptions of their exercise adherence pattern and (2) who do and do not make exercise-related cognitive errors. A total of 364 adults completed an exercise pattern and cognitive errors questionnaire. Individuals perceiving themselves as consistent exercisers reported more adaptive social cognitive outcomes (e.g. higher self-regulatory efficacy) than those perceiving themselves as inconsistent. Individuals expressing stronger exercise-related cognitive errors exercised less and reported problematic cognitions (e.g. more struggle with exercise decisions). These results link inconsistent adherence perceptions to weaker social cognitions and exercise-related cognitive errors, a novel form of bias related to limited exercise engagement.

Few individuals with arthritis are sufficiently active. We surveyed a convenience sample of exercisers ( N = 134) to examine the utility of social cognitive theory variables, namely, self-regulatory efficacy, negative outcome expectations, and pain acceptance for predicting planned physical activity according to Weinstein's two prediction suggestions. Logistic regression revealed, after controlling for pain intensity, self-regulatory efficacy, negative outcome expectations, and pain acceptance distinguished groups achieving/not achieving planned physical activity, p < 0.001 (28% variance). A second model adding past physical activity also predicted the groups, p < 0.001 (57% variance). This is one of the first arthritis studies examining planned physical activity relative to Weinstein's recommendations.

The relationship between attributional dimensions women assign to the cause of their perceived success or failure at meeting the recommended physical activity dose and self-regulatory efficacy for future physical activity was examined among women with arthritis. Women (N = 117) aged 18-84 years, with self-reported medically-diagnosed arthritis, completed on-line questions in the fall of 2013 assessing endurance physical activity, perceived outcome for meeting the recommended levels of endurance activity, attributions for one's success or failure in meeting the recommendations, and self-regulatory efficacy to schedule/plan endurance activity over the next month. The main theoretically-driven finding revealed that the interaction of the stability dimension with perceived success/failure was significantly related to self-regulatory efficacy for scheduling and planning future physical activity (β = 0.35, p = .002). Outcomes attributed to more versus less stable factors accentuated differences in self-regulatory efficacy beliefs following perceived success and failure at being active. It appears that attributional dimensions were associated with self-regulatory efficacy in women with arthritis. This suggests that rather than objectively observed past mastery experience, women's subjective perceptions and explanations of their past experiences were related to efficacy beliefs, especially following a failure experience.

Purpose/objective: Two complementary frameworks, the common sense model, and social-cognitive theory, were used. The first purpose of this study was to compare 2 groups varying in their illness perceptions (strong vs. weak) on baseline differences in theory-based exercise cognitions (self-regulatory efficacy and outcome expectations), and health-related quality of life (HRQL). The second purpose was to examine illness perception group differences in cardiac rehabilitation exercise participation following 3 months of exercise therapy., Research Method/design: Newly enrolled cardiac rehabilitation participants (N = 49) completed baseline measures of illness perceptions, self-regulatory efficacy, outcome expectations, and HRQL. Cardiac rehabilitation exercise minutes were measured at baseline (after 2 weeks of participation) and following 3 months of cardiac rehabilitation., Results: Individuals were successfully classified into strong and weak illness perception groups using cluster analysis. Analyses of variance indicated significant group differences on negative outcome expectations (p < .05), where the strong illness perception group reported greater negative outcome expectations. The strong illness perception group also reported significantly lower physical and mental HRQL as compared to their weak illness perception counterparts (p < .01). Parallel differences in cardiac rehabilitation exercise participation at 3 months were also observed (p < .05)., Conclusions/implications: This study was a first attempt to utilize the common sense model and social-cognitive theory to examine individuals engaged in rehabilitation to reduce cardiac risk. The findings suggest that complementary use of these 2 frameworks to study individual illness perception differences relative to psychological beliefs and adherence to exercise therapy may aid understanding of correlates of exercise adherence among cardiac rehabilitation participants., ((c) 2015 APA, all rights reserved).)

Among older adults, preserving community mobility (CM) is important for maintaining independent living. We explored whether perceptions of the environment and self-efficacy for CM (SE-CM) would predict walking performance for tasks reflecting CM. We hypothesized that perceptions of the environment and SE-CM would be additive predictors of walking performance on tasks reflecting the complexity of CM. Independent living older adults (N = 60) aged 64-85 completed six complex walking tasks (CWTs), SE-CM, and the environmental analysis of mobility questionnaire (EAMQ). Multiple regression analyses indicated that for each CWT, the EAMQ scales predicted walking performance (range: model R2Adj. = .078 to .139, p < .04). However, when SE-CM was added to the models, it was the sole significant predictor (p < .05). Contrary to our hypotheses, SE-CM was the best predictor in the additive models. SE-CM may be more correspondent to walking tests and thus a more sensitive predictor of CM walking performance.

Background: Exercising for ≥ 150 min/week is a recommended strategy for self-managing arthritis. However, exercise nonadherence is a problem. Arthritis pain anxiety may interfere with regular exercise. According to the fear-avoidance model, individuals may confront their pain anxiety by using adaptive self-regulatory responses (eg, changing exercise type or duration). Furthermore, the anxiety-self-regulatory responses relationship may vary as a function of individuals' pain acceptance levels., Objectives: To investigate pain acceptance as a moderator of the pain anxiety-adaptive self-regulatory responses relationship. The secondary objective was to examine whether groups of patients who differed in meeting exercise recommendations also differed in pain-related and self-regulatory responses., Methods: Adults (mean [± SD] age 49.75 ± 13.88 years) with medically diagnosed arthritis completed online measures of arthritis pain-related variables and self-regulatory responses at baseline, and exercise participation two weeks later. Individuals meeting (n=87) and not meeting (n=49) exercise recommendations were identified., Results: Hierarchical multiple regression analysis revealed that pain acceptance moderated the anxiety-adaptive self-regulatory responses relationship. When pain anxiety was lower, greater pain acceptance was associated with less frequent use of adaptive responses. When anxiety was higher, adaptive responses were used regardless of pain acceptance level. MANOVA findings revealed that participants meeting the recommended exercise dose reported significantly lower pain and pain anxiety, and greater pain acceptance (P<0.05) than those not meeting the dose., Conclusions: Greater pain acceptance may help individuals to focus their efforts to adapt to their pain anxiety only when it is higher, leaving self-regulatory capacity to cope with additional challenges to exercise adherence (eg, busy schedule).

Purpose/objective: Public health guidelines for physical activity (PA) for individuals with arthritis are 150 min/week. Self-regulatory efficacy to plan and schedule activity (SRE-SP) was greater for individuals meeting guidelines in studies when symptoms were usual. Extreme symptoms of a flare presumably challenge or block PA adherence. We found it surprising that the question of whether pain intensity and SRE-SP differ within the same person as a function of symptom severity (i.e., flare vs. no-flare) and PA level has not been addressed., Research Method/design: Participants (N = 53) reported SRE-SP and SRE to overcome arthritis barriers (SRE-AB) during the following month, average usual and flare-pain intensity, and PA volume in the past 6 months. Mixed-model ANOVAs compared those meeting or not meeting PA guidelines in both flare and no-flare conditions., Results: Main effects for SRE (SP and AB) were significant for within flare/no-flare comparisons (p < .001) and for SRE-SP were significant between PA groups (p < .05). Individuals meeting PA guidelines have the advantage of greater SRE-SP to motivate adherence than those of the less active. All participants' activity was less efficacious during a flare. For pain intensity, a within-subjects flare versus no-flare effect (p < .001) confirmed that flares are perceived as more of an obstacle or challenge for engaging in PA., Conclusion/implications: Regardless of meeting or not meeting PA guidelines, participants reported lower SRE and higher pain intensity during a flare. PA adherence during a flare may require self-regulation of PA to be active, and in particular, to be able to meet recommended guidelines, relative to symptom severity., (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2015 APA, all rights reserved.)

Objective: Two studies were conducted to examine the relationship between past physical activity, concurrent self-regulatory efficacy (CSRE), and current physical activity during the transition to university., Participants: Study 1 included 110 first-year undergraduate students recruited during October/November of 2012. Study 2 involved 86 first-year undergraduate students recruited during October/November of 2013., Methods: Surveys were completed online, concurrently (Study 1) and prospectively (Study 2)., Results: CSRE was found to positively predict current physical activity participation in both studies. However, the relation of CSRE to physical activity was attenuated when past behavior was taken into account., Conclusions: Physical activity is one goal that university students pursue concurrently with other goals. Not only is current planned activity related to one's past participation in physical activity, it is also related to self-regulatory beliefs about managing that activity in the new context of university life.

Objective: Adherence to physical activity at ≥150 minutes/week has proven to offer disease management and health-promoting benefits among adults with arthritis. While highly active people seem undaunted by arthritis pain and are differentiated from the moderately active by adherence-related psychological factors, knowledge about inactive individuals is lacking. This knowledge may identify what to change in order to help inactive people begin and maintain physical activity. The present study examined the planned, self-regulated activity of high, moderate, and inactive individuals to determine if differences existed in negative psychological factors., Methods: Adults with a medical diagnosis of arthritis completed online measures of physical activity, perceived pain intensity, pain anxiety, and negative disease-related outcome expectations from being active. High active (n = 94), moderately active (n = 77), and inactive (n = 104) groups were identified., Results: A significant multivariate analysis of covariance revealed group differences (P < 0.001). Followup analyses indicated that inactive participants had the most negative psychological profile. Inactive participants reported that negative disease-related outcomes expectancies were more distressing and likely to occur than either group of active participants and expressed greater pain intensity and pain anxiety than the highly active participants (P < 0.05 for all)., Conclusion: Identifying differences in negative psychological factors aids in the understanding of differential adherence between activity groups and highlights possible factors to change in future intervention and research., (Copyright © 2015 by the American College of Rheumatology.)

Given the positive influence of action planning on physical activity, persuasive messages could be designed to promote action planning. The purpose of this paper was to test action planning messages in two studies. Participants were allocated to one of two message groups, reading either a physical activity only or physical activity plus action planning message (Study 1) and either a gain-framed or loss-framed action planning message (Study 2). The percent of individuals who created an action plan and the quality of the plans were evaluated. In Study 1, individuals in the physical activity plus action planning group created as many action plans as the physical activity only group, but their plans were higher quality. In Study 2, Week 2 differences between the gain- and loss-framed message groups were found for action planning. To our knowledge, these studies were the first to investigate message-induced action planning as a behavior. More research is needed to optimize these messages.

Purpose/objective: Poor adherence to cardiac rehabilitation (CR) exercise therapy is an ongoing problem. Problem-solving (PS) is an identified cognitive-behavioral strategy to promote exercise adherence. However, PS process has not been examined, and how PS promotes adherence is not known. Using Social Cognitive Theory and Ewart's Social Problem-Solving Model as guiding frameworks, we examined proposed theoretical links between persistence, an indicator of adherence, and (a) PS effectiveness and (b) self-regulatory efficacy. Based on the Model of Social Problem-Solving, 2 distinct components of the PS process (problem-solving and solution implementation), were examined., Research Method/design: Older adult participants (N = 52; 32 men) representing a typical CR sample (mean age = 65.6 years; SD = 10.8) participated in this correlational, observational study., Results: Two hierarchical multiple regressions indicated that PS effectiveness and self-regulatory efficacy were significant predictors of anticipated persistence. Relative to PS process, both predictors accounted for: (a) 41% of the variance in anticipated persistence with PS; and (b) 49% of the variance in anticipated persistence with solution implementation., Conclusions/implications: Proposed theoretical relationships were supported, and both PS effectiveness and self-regulatory efficacy accounted for a greater amount of the variance in anticipated persistence than either alone. Future efforts to improve adherence to rehabilitative exercise could include the use of PS. The 2 distinct components of the PS process may be important for successful adjustment to problems., (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2013 APA, all rights reserved.)

Objective: The majority of people with spinal cord injury (SCI) do not engage in sufficient leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) to attain fitness benefits; however, many have good intentions to be active. This paper describes two pilot interventions targeting people with SCI who are insufficiently active but intend to be active (i.e., "intenders")., Method: Study 1 examined the effects of a single, telephone-based counseling session on self-regulatory efficacy, intentions, and action plans for LTPA among seven men and women with paraplegia or tetraplegia. Study 2 examined the effects of a home-based strength-training session, delivered by a peer and a fitness trainer, on strength-training task self-efficacy, intentions, action plans, and behavior. Participants were 11 men and women with paraplegia., Results: The counseling session (Study 1) yielded medium- to large-sized increases in participants' confidence to set LTPA goals and intentions to be active. The home visit (Study 2) produced medium- to large-sized increases in task self-efficacy, barrier self-efficacy, intentions, action planning, and strength-training behavior from baseline to 4 weeks after the visit., Conclusions/implications: Study 1 findings provide preliminary evidence that a single counseling session can impact key determinants of LTPA among intenders with SCI. Study 2 findings demonstrate the potential utility of a peer-mediated, home-based strength training session for positively influencing social cognitions and strength-training behavior. Together, these studies provide evidence and resources for intervention strategies to promote LTPA among intenders with SCI, a population for whom LTPA interventions and resources are scarcely available.

Objective: The purpose of this pilot study was to test the efficacy and feasibility of a group-mediated cognitive-behavioral training (GMCB) intervention for increasing self-managed leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) among people with spinal cord injury (SCI) who are already somewhat active., Methods: Participants were 13 members of a supervised exercise program for adults with SCI. They took part in a 9-week, evidence-based, theoretically framed, GMCB intervention designed to promote self-regulatory skills and to increase the amount of time spent in self-managed LTPA, outside of the supervised program. Minutes/week of self-managed and supervised LTPA were measured pre- and postintervention, along with measures of social-cognitive variables. Participants' and the interventionist's perceptions of the intervention were also assessed., Results: Participants nearly doubled their total min/week of LTPA, as the result of a significant increase in self-managed LTPA from baseline (M = 42.00 ± 69.57 min/week) to postintervention (M = 197.50 ± 270.86 min/week; p < .05), at no cost to supervised LTPA. Consistent with the GMCB and counseling of self-regulatory skills, self-regulatory efficacy was sustained and action planning increased from pre- (M = 4.63 ± 3.25) to postintervention (M = 6.83 ± 2.40; p = .06). The intervention materials and protocol were perceived as usable by the interventionist and participants and had good intervention fidelity., Conclusions: Persons with SCI can voluntarily increase their self-managed LTPA after learning and practicing self-regulatory skills. GMCB training interventions are a feasible approach for teaching these skills.

Objective: To examine characteristics of client-interventionist interactions that may contribute to development of exercise-related efficacy beliefs of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) participants., Participants and Design: Study 1 used a correlational design to investigate relationships between CR program experience and proxy efficacy for in-class and self-regulated exercise in a sample of CR participants (N = 222). Study 2 used an experimental design and mentalizing procedure to manipulate proxy efficacy of CR participants (N = 49) and compared responses to hypothetical scenarios depicting either positive and supportive or interpersonally neutral interactions with CR interventionists., Results: Study 1 showed proxy efficacy was not associated with the quantity of experience participants had with their CR interventionists. Study 2 showed CR participants who imagined working with a positive and supportive interventionist reported greater proxy efficacy and self-efficacy for in-class and self-regulated exercise compared with neutral interventionists' interactions., Conclusion: The amount of experience people have with a proxy agent in CR may not contribute directly to proxy efficacy, although supportive and engaging interpersonal behaviors on behalf of proxy agents appear to be important factors that determine strong positive proxy efficacy beliefs as well as self-efficacy. Practitioners in CR and other rehabilitation settings should be mindful of the content of their interactions and the effects of those exchanges on the development of positive proxy and self-efficacy beliefs among their clients.

Examining exercise as a single goal-directed behaviour, without acknowledging the influence of other concurrent goals, may oversimplify the self-regulation needed in daily life. Concurrent self-regulatory efficacy, confidence in one's ability to self-regulate the management of multiple goals, was explored as a potential mediator in the relationship between value of an exercise goal and future exercise behaviour. Undergraduate students were observed during a 4-week examination period where they faced greater than usual challenges to exercising regularly. Consistent with self-efficacy theory, concurrent self-regulatory efficacy was a significant partial mediator of the value of an exercise goal-exercise behaviour relationship.

Purpose: Using social-cognitive theory, we examined whether adults who experienced an arthritis flare and met/did not meet the disease-specific public health recommended dose for physical activity differed in their self-regulatory efficacy beliefs, overall pain, and flare-related factors., Research Method/design: Adults with arthritis (N = 56; M(age) = 49.41 ± 11.56 years) participated in this prospective study., Results: Multivariate analysis of variance comparing groups who met or did not meet the recommended dose (n(met) = 24, ≥ 150 minutes/week vs. n(not met) = 32, < 150 min/week) on efficacy, overall pain, and flare-related factors was significant (p < .01; η(partial)² = .28). People meeting the dose had significantly greater self-regulatory efficacy to overcome arthritis barriers (M(met dose) = 7.33 ± 1.95 vs. M(did not meet dose) = 5.74 ± 2.08, η(partial)² = .14) and to schedule/plan (M(met dose) = 7.27 ± 1.80 vs. M(did not meet dose) = 5.72 ± 1.90, η(partial)² = .15). Overall pain and flare-related factors did not differ (ps > .05)., Conclusion/implication: During flares, individuals with greater self-regulatory efficacy to manage disease barriers and plan their physical activity were more adherent to disease-specific public health activity recommendations. This study was the first to demonstrate differences in social cognitions that characterize adherence to recommended activity among people challenged by arthritis flares. Findings support the theoretical position that self-regulatory efficacy is related to better adherence in the face of challenging disease-related circumstances. The importance of studying individual characteristics of people who succeed in being active despite such obstacles is stressed.

Objective: To investigate social-cognitive and exercise differences in individuals who think positively or negatively about upcoming exercise while engaged in programs of maintenance exercise therapy for cardiovascular disease and other chronic health conditions., Method and Results: Participants (n = 40) completed measures relative to exercise adherence. MANOVA revealed positive thinkers were significantly higher in exercise frequency, self-regulatory efficacy, positive affect, willingness to adapt and lower in decisional struggle than negative thinkers., Conclusions: Thoughts about exercise therapy are related to social cognitions crucial to motivating self-regulatory actions influencing exercise. Negative thoughts may suggest less ability to adapt to maintenance exercise challenges.

Self-regulatory efficacy (SRE) should influence persistence towards goals. Mothers attempting to exercise while managing work and young children (N = 49, M(age) = 35.69, M(children) = 1.88) were stratified into high or low concurrent SRE groups, then randomized to read a hypothetical scenario detailing numerous or minimal exercise barrier conditions. Consistent with self-efficacy theory, when exercise barriers were numerous, mothers with higher concurrent SRE demonstrated greater persistence towards exercise goals, and perceived concurrent management of exercise with their other valued goals as more positively challenging, than mothers with lower concurrent SRE.

Research shows that people with stronger exercise identity (EXID) exhibit greater negative affect and self-regulatory efficacy (SRE) when behaviour is inconsistent with identity. However, related attributions have not been examined. Using social cognitive and identity theories, we examined causes of failing to exercise. In a two (EXID: stronger, weaker) by two (Cause: personally-controllable, situational) design, participants (N = 224) were randomized to Cause and read a condition-relevant no-exercise vignette. MANOVA revealed main effects for Cause and EXID, p's < .001. Participants explaining their Cause differed on attributional dimensions, and stronger EXID participants reported greater negative affect and higher SRE, p's < .001.

Pain from arthritis is a barrier to physical activity (PA), yet some people still manage to be active. This study examined whether women with greater or weaker arthritis pain acceptance were distinguished by social cognitions (self-regulatory efficacy to overcome barriers; outcome expectations of PA) and whether PA differences existed. Women with arthritis (N = 118) completed two surveys. After controlling for pain, a hierarchical discriminant function analysis discriminated pain acceptance groups in terms of the social cognitions. Greater pain acceptance participants were also significantly more active. Findings contribute new insight on the combination of a disease-related factor (pain acceptance) and social cognitions important for adherence.

Background: To motivate individuals to adhere to a regular physical activity regime, guidelines must be supplemented with persuasive messages that are disseminated widely. While substantial research has examined effective strategies for disseminating physical activity messages, there has been no systematic effort to examine optimal message content. This paper reviews studies that evaluate the effectiveness of three approaches for constructing physical activity messages including tailoring messages to suit individual characteristics of message recipients (message tailoring), framing messages in terms of gains versus losses (message framing), and targeting messages to affect change in self-efficacy (i.e., a theoretical determinant of behavior change)., Methods: We searched the MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE and CINAHL databases up to July 2008. Relevant reference lists also were searched. We included intervention trials, field experiments, and laboratory-based studies that aimed to test the efficacy or effectiveness of tailored messages, framed messages and self-efficacy change messages among healthy adults. We used a descriptive approach to analyze emerging patterns in research findings. Based on this evidence we made recommendations for practice and future research., Results: Twenty-two studies were identified. Twelve studies evaluated message tailoring. In 10 of these studies, tailored messages resulted in greater physical activity than a control message. Six studies evaluated framed messages. Five of these studies demonstrated that gain-framed messages lead to stronger intentions to be active compared to a control message. Moreover, a gain-frame advantage was evident in three of the four studies that assessed physical activity. Four studies evaluated self-efficacy change messages. The two studies that used an experimental design provide a clear indication that individuals' beliefs can be affected by messages that incorporate types of information known to be determinants of self-efficacy. Overall, strong evidence to support definitive recommendations for optimal message content and structure was lacking., Conclusions: Additional research testing the optimal content of messages used to supplement physical activity guidelines is needed. Tailored messages, gain-framed messages, and self-efficacy change messages hold promise as strategies for constructing physical activity messages and should be a focus of future research.

Background: Evaluation of the original ParticipACTION campaign effects focused on individual awareness, recall, and understanding. Less studied has been the impact such campaigns have had on the broader organizational capacity to mobilize and advocate for physical activity. With the relaunch of ParticipACTION, the purpose of this study was to qualitatively explore baseline organizational capacity to promote physical activity messages, programs, and services within the Canadian context., Methods: Using a purposeful sampling strategy, we conducted semi-structured telephone interviews with 49 key informants representing a range of national, provincial, and local organizations with a mandate to promote physical activity. Interview data were analysed using a thematic analytic approach., Results: Key informants painted a generally positive picture of current organizational capacity to promote physical activity messages, programs, and services in Canada. Will and leadership were clear strengths while infrastructure limitations remained the greatest concern. Some specific challenges included: 1) funding issues: the absence of core funding in a climate of shifting funding priorities; 2) the difficulty of working without a national physical activity policy (lack of leadership); 3) inconsistent provincial and educational sector level policies; and 4) a persistent focus on obesity rather than physical inactivity., Conclusion: The data generated here can be utilized to monitor the future impact of ParticipACTION on enhancing and utilizing this organizational capacity. A range of indicators are suggested that could be used to illustrate ParticipACTION's impact on the broad field of physical activity promotion in the future.

Objective: The objective of the current investigation was to examine if the effects of a group-mediated cognitive behavioural counselling plus exercise intervention were superior to the effects of a standard exercise care condition on postnatal mothers' self-regulatory efficacy (SRE), outcome expectations (OEs) and self-directed physical activity (PA)., Design: The design of the study consisted of two intervention conditions; group-mediated cognitive behavioural counselling plus exercise (GMCB) and standard exercise (SE). Each condition consisted of two phases; a 4-week supervised, centre-based intensive exercise training phase followed by a 4-week home-based phase., Methods: Participants were 57 postnatal women randomly assigned to conditions (SE: N=31; GMCB: N=26). Measures of SRE and OEs were assessed prior to and following the centre-based aspect of the intervention. Physical activity was measured following the intensive exercise training phase as well as the home-based phase., Results: GMCB participants' SRE and OEs were sustained during the intervention whereas those of SE participants declined. GMCB participants also reported significantly greater time spent engaging in self-directed PA at the conclusion of the intensive and home-based phases. Mediation analysis revealed that SRE partially mediated the relationship between intervention condition and post home-based PA as confirmed by a significant sobel test., Conclusions: These findings suggest that a theory-based GMCB counselling plus exercise intervention is superior to the SE condition in sustaining SRE and OEs, and in promoting greater self-directed PA. SRE partially mediated the relationship between intervention condition and post home-based PA supporting the targeting of that variable for change as part of the intervention.

Objective: To examine whether the theory-based social cognitions of perceived barrier frequency, barrier limitation, and self-regulatory efficacy to cope were predictors of planned physical activity among adult women with arthritis. A secondary purpose was to identify and provide a phenomenologic description of the relevant barriers and coping strategies reported by study participants., Methods: Eighty adult women (mean +/- SD age 49.09 +/- 12.89 years) with self-reported doctor-diagnosed arthritis participated in this observational study. Participants completed online survey measures of barriers to physical activity and, for each barrier, reported the frequency of occurrence and the extent of limitation. Measures of coping strategies for each barrier, efficacy to cope, and physical activity were also obtained., Results: A multiple hierarchical regression analysis resulted in a model that significantly predicted physical activity (F[9,70] = 6.80, P < 0.01, adjusted R(2) = 0.40). Barrier limitation (standardized beta = -0.56) and efficacy (standardized beta = 0.20) were significant independent predictors. Phenomenologic findings indicated that arthritis-specific personal barriers (e.g., pain and fatigue due to arthritis) and arthritis-specific coping strategies (e.g., activity modification) were more commonly reported than generic barriers and coping strategies., Conclusion: Self-regulatory efficacy to cope and relevant perceived physical activity barriers, which were primarily arthritis-specific and moderately or more limiting to planned physical activity, were important social cognitive predictors of physical activity, a key nonpharmacologic arthritis treatment, among women with arthritis. Future research direction should examine potential moderators of the relationship between these predictors and physical activity, such as pain acceptance.

Identity and Self-efficacy Theories were used to examine the relationship between healthy-eater identity, self-efficacy for healthy eating and healthy eating. Measures of healthy-eater identity, perception of healthy eating, nutrition knowledge, self-efficacy for both intake of fruits and vegetables and foods of low nutritional value were completed by 101 university students and staff. Two weeks later, participants recalled recent consumption of (a) fruits and vegetables and (b) foods of low nutritional value. For both eating outcomes, healthy-eater identity was a significant predictor after controlling for nutrition knowledge. The addition of self-efficacy improved prediction in the case of both eating outcomes.

Based upon Identity and Social Cognitive theories, two studies examined reactions to challenges to exercise identity (Study 1) and healthy-eater identity (Study 2). For both studies, participants responded to a perceived challenge relative to the health behavior in terms of affect, intentions, self-regulatory efficacy and generated self-regulatory strategies. High identity participants in both studies showed the theory-based, hypothesized response pattern suggesting they were seeking identity-behavior congruency and this response pattern was stronger than exhibited by moderate identity individuals. Collectively, findings support the compatible use of Identity and Social Cognitive theories in studying identity and suggest that identities may be important in understanding health behavior regulation.

Despite the numerous physical and psychosocial benefits of exercise for coronary heart disease survivors, non-adherence to cardiac rehabilitation (CR) exercise is a major problem. Adherence to the lifestyle behavior change associated with CR involves both physical and self-regulatory skills. While self-regulatory efficacy is clearly linked to exercise adherence and adjustment, the literature on the relationship between self-efficacy and exercise among CR participants has not been systematically reviewed. A search of relevant databases identified 41 CR studies. Few studies measured self-regulatory efficacy for actions that facilitate adherence. Most studies examined self-efficacy during the intensive center-based phase of CR, with little attention to long-term maintenance. The CR literature could benefit by examining (a) self-efficacy as a major rehabilitation outcome, (b) measurement of self-regulatory efficacy for behavior change, (c) suspected moderators of self-efficacy (i.e. gender, age), and (d) self-efficacy relative to maintenance.

A common practice for counteracting response acquiescence in psychological measures has been to employ both negatively and positively worded items. However, previous research has highlighted that the reliability of measures can be affected by this practice (Spector, 1992). The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect that the presence of negatively worded items has on the internal reliability of the Group Environment Questionnaire (GEQ). Two samples (N = 276) were utilized, and participants were asked to complete the GEQ (original and revised) on separate occasions. Results demonstrated that the revised questionnaire (containing all positively worded items) had significantly higher Cronbach alpha values for three of the four dimensions of the GEQ. Implications, alternatives, and future directions are discussed.

This article summarizes the main findings from the papers included in this journal supplement. It consolidates the evidence currently available to inform and advance the development of physical activity guidelines for Canadians, and it highlights the specific needs of various population subgroups. The challenges of translating guideline information into effective and persuasive physical activity messages, of campaigns to disseminate messages and of related evaluations are underlined. Recommendations on how to proceed are based on the evidence base provided by this series of papers; the immediate next steps mandated by this initiative are outlined and priorities for future research are indicated.