Older adults' exercise behavior: roles of selected constructs of social-cognitive theory
Umstattd, M.R.ée.; Hallam, J.
Journal of Aging and Physical Activity 15(2): 206-218
2007
ISSN/ISBN: 1063-8652 PMID: 17556786 DOI: 10.1123/japa.15.2.206
Accession: 054723177
Exercise is consistently related to physical and psychological health benefits in older adults. Bandura's social-cognitive theory (SCT) is one theoretical perspective on understanding and predicting exercise behavior. Thus, the authors examined whether three SCT variables-self-efficacy, self-regulation, and outcome-expectancy value-predicted older adults' (N = 98) exercise behavior. Bivariate analyses revealed that regular exercise was associated with being male, White, and married; having higher income, education, and self-efficacy; using self-regulation skills; and having favorable outcome-expectancy values (p < .05). In a simultaneous multivariate model, however, self-regulation (p = .0097) was the only variable independently associated with regular exercise. Thus, exercise interventions targeting older adults should include components aimed at increasing the use of self-regulation strategies.