Theories of Behaviour Change & Exercise Adherence

Question 1

Self-efficacy Theory

Answer 1

• “belief in one’s ability to organise and execute the course of action required to produce given attainments”
• states that performance accomplishments, vicarious experiences, verbal persuasion, imaginal experiences and emotional physiological states contribute towards a persons self-efficacy

Question 2

Theory of Planned Behaviour

Answer 2

• states that intentions alone cannot be sole predictors of behaviour, especially in situations in which people lack motivation and skill
• states that a person’s intentions are a product of the individual’s attitudes towards a particular behaviour
• a person’s intentions are also impacted by subjective norms and perceived behaviour control

Question 3

Transtheoretical model

Answer 3

6 stages:

1. Pre-contemplation
2. Contemplation
3. Preparation
4. Action
5. Maintenance
6. Termination

Question 4

Five constructs of the transtheoretical model

Answer 4

1. Decisional balance
   
   • pros vs. cons of exercising
   • cons outweigh pros in pre-contemplation &
     contemplation stages
   • pros outweigh cons in action and maintenance stages
2. Processes of Change
   
   • cognitive (thought related - self evaluation)
   • behavioural (keeping shoes by door)

Question 5

Health Belief Model

Answer 5

• model that describes why people decide to change their behaviour
• states an individual will state action if:
  
  • a health condition can be avoided
  • the health condition is serious
  • self-efficacy (confident in their ability to change)
  • the perceived benefits of exercising outweigh the
    perceived barriers

Question 6

Problem with exercise adherence

Answer 6

1. Maintenance motives (adhere as long as they are satisfied with behavioural outcomes & enjoy engaging in the behaviour)
2. Habit (adherence more likely if behaviour becomes habitual & supported by automatic responses
3. Resources (adherence more likely if psychological and physical resources are available)
4. Self-regulation (adherence more likely if they are able to monitor & regulate their new behaviours and have effective strategies to overcome barriers)
5. Social and environmental factors

Question 7

Strategies for enhancing adherence

Answer 7

1. Behaviour modification processes
2. Reinforcement approaches
3. Goal setting

Question 8

Examples of behaviour modification processes

Answer 8

• prompts (posters, slogans, emails)

- contracting (memberships)

Question 9

Examples of reinforcement approaches

Answer 9

• charting progress

- personalised feedback

Question 10

Examples of goal setting

Answer 10

• long & short term goals
• process goals & outcome goals
• decisional balance sheet to make participant aware of potential benefits and costs of an exercise programme
• involve individual in goal setting process

Question 11

Social and environmental factors affecting adherence

Answer 11

• family, peers, spouses (S)

- climate, time pressures, distance from facilities (E)