EXERCISE HASSLES: TOWARD UNDERSTANDING THEIR ROLE IN EXERCISE CONTINUANCE FROM A RELAPSE PREVENTION PERSPECTIVE (LIFESTYLE CHANGE).
Contributors: Oregon Health Sciences University.
Published: 1992
Number of pages: 317
Subjects: Health Sciences, Nursing.; Education, Health.
Description: The problem of exercise dropout with new exercisers continues at or above so percent in spite of the well-known importance of long term maintenance of exercise to sustain health benefits. While over 40 variables have been identified in the literature related to exercise continuance, no theoretical model exists that is comprehensive enough to account for the explanation of the known relationships and interaction of variables related to the process of exercise continuance. The present research focused on exercise continuance in non-athletic adults through the phase of exercise acquisition and early maintenance. These phases have been associated with the highest rate of discontinuance. The intent of the study was to provide a better understanding of the process of exercise continuance while contributing to development of a clinically relevant theory for use in a primary health care setting. Key factors in the model include: exercise self-efficacy, exercise outcome expectancy, exercise hassles, exercise hassle attributions, daily stress, exercise decision, exercise effects, and other effects.

A multiple case study design was used to explore the relationship between exercise hassles and exercise continuance. In addition, a descriptive and exploratory analysis of the cases was used to consider the potential fit of a lifestyle change model developed by the investigator. Five non-athletic participants, two long-term exercisers and three new exercisers, provided repeated measurements of physiological and psychological parameters. Historical, demographic, and weekly self-monitoring data were used to establish case study data bases. The study consisted of initial and final interviews, in addition to a 12-week period of weekly and daily monitoring and data collection. The data from each case were used for an in-depth individual analysis for descriptive and theoretical application.

The findings support the complex nature of lifestyle change associated with exercise continuance and offer tentative support for the Lifestyle Change Model for Exercise. Expected relationships between attributional dimensions of exercise hassles (stability and controllability) were not demonstrated across the cases. Explanations for the lack of predicted relationships are considered. Additional model development and use of a process-sensitive research strategy is recommended for future research.
Notes: Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 53-09, Section: B, page: 4593.

Thesis (PH.D.)--OREGON HEALTH SCIENCES UNIVERSITY, 1992.

School code: 0368.