Physical activity in middle-aged and young-old adults: the roles of self-efficacy, barriers, outcome expectancies, self-regulatory behaviors and social support

J Health Psychol. 2010 Mar;15(2):173-85. doi: 10.1177/1359105309342283.

Abstract

This study tests the associations of self-efficacy, outcome expectancies, perceived barriers, self-regulatory behaviors and social support with physical activity. Data from 116 married community-dwelling middle-aged and young-old couples (M = 58.86 years, SD = 7.16, range = 50 to 75) were collected via mail-in survey. The model indicated that self-efficacy was directly and indirectly related to physical activity through outcome expectancies, perceived barriers and self-regulatory behaviors. The results clarify the associations among the social cognitive constructs and physical activity, and suggest that interventions targeting multiple social cognitive constructs could increase the activity levels of middle-aged and young-old adults.

MeSH terms

  • Activities of Daily Living / psychology
  • Aged
  • Aging / psychology*
  • Chronic Disease / psychology
  • Exercise / psychology*
  • Family Characteristics
  • Female
  • Health Status
  • Health Surveys
  • Humans
  • Internal-External Control*
  • Male
  • Mid-Atlantic Region
  • Middle Aged
  • Models, Psychological
  • Motor Activity*
  • Self Efficacy*
  • Set, Psychology*
  • Sex Factors
  • Social Support*
  • Statistics as Topic