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Wirick Dissertation.pdf (7.73 MB)

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The Promotion of Regular Exercise Behavior among Sedentary Emerging Adults Based on Social Cognitive Theory

Wirick, Stephen E
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1417685750

Abstract Details

2014, Doctor of Philosophy, Ohio State University, EDU Physical Activity and Educational Services.
As the obesity epidemic continues to sweep through industrialized societies contributing to the myriad chronic diseases that plague us today such as cardiovascular disease, Type II Diabetes and certain cancers. With estimates that two-thirds of the U.S. adult population is considered either overweight or obese and the predicted yearly $300 billion the U.S. will be spending on medical costs related to obesity by the year 2020, researchers are challenged with finding solutions to prevent and reverse obesity’s impact. Increasing levels of physical activity is one approach that deserves our attention. There is cause for concern as more than 50% of U.S. adults are classified as insufficiently active or inactive despite the scientific evidence of the overall benefits of maintaining a physically active lifestyle. While rates of physical activity are known to decline with age the greatest reduction occurs during adolescence with a lowered sustained rate during young adulthood as this population is matriculating into family and work roles or continuing into higher education. Intervening with the emerging adult population presents a unique opportunity to attempt to increase levels of physical activity during a time when lifelong habits are beginning to be established. This study examined the effects of a randomized control trial 8-week Social Cognitive Theory based behavioral and exercise program designed to increase planned physical exercise among emerging adults compared to a standard care group. There were 32 participants enrolled in the intervention that were randomly assigned to two groups. The treatment group received the Social Cognitive Theory based behavioral strategy sessions and supervised exercise sessions. The standard care group received free unlimited access to the University Wellness Center. The total sample size was 26 with 13 participants in each group. Each group completed questionnaires designed to measure their levels of physical activity behavior and SCT constructs along with measures of fitness for upper body strength and cardiovascular fitness. The results from this study indicated that increases in moderate physical exercise was achieved to the level of ACSM recommendations of 150 minutes per week by the treatment group increasing from approximately 23 min/wk at baseline to 156 min/wk at 8-week follow-up. An increase in friend social support and self-regulation was also reported for the treatment group. Fitness outcomes were also improved as treatment group participants improved their weight status, cardiovascular health and upper body muscular endurance.
Rick Petosa, Dr. (Advisor)
Brian Focht, Dr. (Committee Member)
Randi Love, Dr. (Committee Member)
344 p.
Behavioral Sciences; Health Sciences; Kinesiology
Social Cognitive Theory; emerging adults; young adults; physical activity behavior; college students

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Wirick, S. E. (2014). The Promotion of Regular Exercise Behavior among Sedentary Emerging Adults Based on Social Cognitive Theory [Doctoral dissertation, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1417685750

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Wirick, Stephen. The Promotion of Regular Exercise Behavior among Sedentary Emerging Adults Based on Social Cognitive Theory. 2014. Ohio State University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1417685750.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Wirick, Stephen. "The Promotion of Regular Exercise Behavior among Sedentary Emerging Adults Based on Social Cognitive Theory." Doctoral dissertation, Ohio State University, 2014. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1417685750

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

osu1417685750
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This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.