|
|
Notes
- Abstract:
- The benefits of exercise are well known in our society including reducing risk of heart disease. However, the majority of Americans are not meeting these recommendations. There are many factors that play a role in initiating and maintaining exercise behavior including self-efficacy and social physique anxiety. Unfortunately, few studies have been done analyzing these factors and the role of gender and ethnicity. The current study attempted to identify stages of change for exercise behavior for college males and females across an ethnically diverse population as measured by self-efficacy and social physique anxiety. Data was collected from a total sample of 274 students enrolled in a South Florida college. A 2 x 4 x 5 factorial MANOVA (gender x ethnicity x stage of change) was calculated to determine differences in stage of change, gender, and ethnicity on self-efficacy for exercise and social physique anxiety. No significant main effect was found for gender (Lambda (2,235) = .991, p > .05). No significant main effect was found for ethnicity (Lambda (6,470) = .973, p > .05). A significant effect was found for SOC (Lambda (8,470) = .768, p = .001). Follow-up univariate ANOVA’s indicated that SOC scores were significantly different as measured by self-efficacy (F(4,236) = 13.048, p = .001). Further, follow-up univariate ANOVA’s indicated that SOC scores were significantly different as measured by social physique anxiety (F(4,236) = 4.749, p = .001). First, in the current study, no significant effect was found for differences in self-efficacy across ethnic groups. Next, differences in stage of change (SOC) as measured by the transtheoretical model (TTM) were significantly different by self-efficacy. The results of the current study did not support validation samples of Hart et al. (1989) as no significant effect was found for gender as measured by the SPAS. Also, results from the current study showed that scores on the social physique anxiety scale (SPAS) were significantly affected between the precontemplation and contemplation, preparation, and maintenance group. These results suggest that as participants who were not considering beginning an exercise program have significantly higher anxiety levels than those who are thinking about beginning an exercise program, in the beginning stages of an exercise program, or have been exercising for a period of over sixth months. Caucasian women reported higher levels of social physique anxiety in the precontemplation and maintenance stages when compared to African American women. However, African American women reported higher levels of anxiety in the contemplation and the action stages. Finally, no significant differences in self-efficacy were found between gender groups. Conversely, this study supported previous research showing that no differences exist between gender groups.
- Thesis:
- Thesis (Ph.D.)--Barry University, 2009.
- Bibliography:
- Includes bibliographical references (leaves 97-106).
Record Information
- Source Institution:
- Barry University
- Holding Location:
- Barry University Archives and Special Collections
- Rights Management:
- Copyright Heidi J. Fuchser. Permission granted to Barry University to digitize, archive and distribute this item for non-profit research and educational purposes. Any reuse of this item in excess of fair use or other copyright exemptions requires permission of the copyright holder.
- Resource Identifier:
- RA781.F83 2009_FuchserHeidi ( BU-Local )
- Classification:
- RA781.F83 2009 ( lcc )
|
|
