Exercise interventions delivered at the worksite have produced inconsistent results. While some studies produced modest, short-term increases in exercise behavior, other studies produced little effect. It is suggested that the careful use of behavioral theories can increase the effectiveness of health promotion programs. Many worksite interventions now claim to be based on theory. Yet, a careful reading of these articles makes it difficult to determine precisely how theories are incorporated into the intervention. The purpose of this study was to test the construct validity of a four-session worksite exercise intervention on selected Social Cognitive Theory variables linked to adult exercise adherence. The Social Cognitive Theory variables measured were exercise self-efficacy, outcome-expectancy values and the use of self-regulation skills. Sixty employees were enrolled in the treatment group and 60 employees were randomly selected that recently joined the company’s fitness center. Observations were collected at six weeks and six months. The results show a significant increase in the use of self-regulation, exercise self-efficacy and outcome-expectancy value (p<. 001). No significant differences in Social Cognitive Theory variables were detected for the comparison group. This study shows that selected Social Cognitive Theory variables are changeable in a relatively brief intervention. With the limited contact hours health promotion specialists have with employees, this intervention shows that a short-term intervention can be successful in changing the selected Social Cognitive Theory variables. Future research should study the relationship between changes in theoretical variables and subsequent changes in exercise behavior.
Learning Objectives: 1. describe the use importance of construct validation of treatments. 2. describe the effect of a brief intervention on self-efficacy, self-regulation and outcome-expectancy values
Keywords: Exercise, Theory
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.