Cognitive Determinants of Exercise in Working Women

Purpose: This study examines the cognitive determinants exercise self-efficacy and decisional balance and their role in moderating exercise behavior in working women. Method: A non-experimental cross sectional study using a structured survey and correlational analysis was administered on the Internet. Information about this study was disseminated using conventional methods of verbal communication but investigators also utilized the social networking phenomena Facebook. Findings: One hundred and ninety one women completed the survey. 112 were inactive and 76 were active. Inactive women compared to active women found that time set aside for exercise, time spent away from family and friends, fatigue, lack of exercise enjoyment, family responsibilities, and bad weather are significant barriers to exercise. Both active (96.2%) and inactive (85.7%) women found body image, stress relief, relaxation, energy and self-regulation as beneficial consequences to exercising. Fifty eight percent to eight three percent (58% - 83%) of women, who reported as active compared to 24% - 38% inactive women, would continue their exercise plans when facing obstacles or difficult situation exhibiting greater amounts of self-efficacy. Implications for Health Educators: There is minimal data to facilitate our understanding of the multifaceted factors that promote or hinder physical activity participation among working women. Knowing the factors that inactive working women identify as barriers to a lifestyle of exercise can help health educator's design programs that entail theory driven interventions that are recognized to be effective.Master'sSchool of Health Professions and Studies: Health EducationUniversity of Michiganhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/117811/1/JonesR.pd