Increasing Daily Exercise Adherence in Women by Examining Motivational Factors

Increasing Daily Exercise Adherence in Women by Examining Motivational Factors by Victoria Wozniak, M.S. Proposal Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Psychology Walden University August 2019 Abstract Women ages 20–39 years old have seen the most dramatic increase in obesity levels in the United States over the last 2 decades. Researchers have indicated the need for studies to increase motivation in women to promote daily exercise. There is a gap in the literature about what motivational factors are most effective with increasing exercise in daily life. Using the transtheoretical model of change (TM) as the grounding theory, this studyWomen ages 20–39 years old have seen the most dramatic increase in obesity levels in the United States over the last 2 decades. Researchers have indicated the need for studies to increase motivation in women to promote daily exercise. There is a gap in the literature about what motivational factors are most effective with increasing exercise in daily life. Using the transtheoretical model of change (TM) as the grounding theory, this study measured daily exercise adherence. A selective sampling of women ages 20–39 years old in the United States were recruited to complete an online survey. The online survey included two sections: one to screen participants with informed consent, and the survey itself, including 4 original questions to obtain further information about type of exercise, access to social support, readiness for change, and exercise adherence. A full version of the Exercise Motivations Inventory–2 (EMI-2) was also administered to determine exercise motivation. In total, 105 women were surveyed in the full study and multiple regression was used to assess the findings. Results of the study confirm prior research findings that women engage in exercise due to positive health, ill-health avoidance, and to control weight. In addition, women in the present study indicated positive social support affects daily exercise adherence. The results of this study may contribute to positive social change by furthering our understanding of what contributes to exercise adherence in the United States. Increasing Daily Exercise Adherence in Women by Examining Motivational Factors by Victoria Wozniak, M.S. Proposal Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Psychology Walden University August 2019 Dedication This dissertation is dedicated to my son, Skyler. He has taught me so much about being a mother as well as being a better person. He has been the most influential person in my life and always will be. I strive every single day to make him proud of me. This dissertation and doctorate are my crowning professional achievements, but Skyler will always be my biggest life achievement. Acknowledgments I would first like to thank my parents, Terry and John, for always believing in me and supporting my dreams. Without them, I would not be where I am today. I would also like to thank my sister, Tara, as well as my other family and friends for following my journey and cheering me on. I would like to thank Walden faculty members including my dissertation chair, Dr. Kathryn Dardeck and committee member, Dr. Craig Marker, who have made this dream of mine possible. I would also like to thank Dr. Richard Petroski for permitting me to complete my practicum under his supervision as well as Dr. Craig Richman and the Meadows Psychiatric Facility for permitting me to complete my internship under their supervision.