Dissertations / Theses: 'Behavioral Exercise Psychology'

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Farrell, Robin Jennifer. "Exercise use vs. exercise abuse: Comparing the motivation and body image of "healthy" and "unhealthy" exercisers." Thesis, University of Ottawa (Canada), 1999. http://hdl.handle.net/10393/8493.

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The purpose of this thesis was to examine the influence of exercise motivation and body image on exercise behavior (using a multi-method approach), in order to better understand the phenomenon of unhealthy exercise. The first phase of this study was quantitative, and served to compare the exercise motivation (using Self-Determination Theory, Deci & Ryan, 1985) and perception of body image of "healthy" and "unhealthy" exercisers using a questionnaire. Specifically, 233 exercisers (102 males, 131 females) completed a questionnaire compiled of a self-reported exercise behavior scale (Salonen & Lakka, 1987), the Commitment to Exercise Scale (Davis et al., 1993), the Sport Motivation Scale (Pelletier et al., 1995), and the Body Cathexis Scale (Tucker, 1981). The self-reported exercise behavior scale and the Commitment to Exercise Scale were used to divide exercisers into "healthy" and "unhealthy" groups. In order to obtain a deeper, more complex, understanding of the phenomenon of unhealthy exercise specifically, a second qualitative phase (Phase 2) consisted of interviewing 4 exercisers (2 males, 2 females) identified in Phase 1 as having the most "unhealthy" exercise behaviors. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

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Lumb, Cathy Ann. "Using ownership of exercise programs to enhance exercise adherence." Scholarly Commons, 1990. https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/uop_etds/3526.

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The study was designed to assess the effectiveness of the use of ownership of an exercise program to enhance exercise adherence. A design using the staggered introduction of the independent variable was used as a means of assessing the effectiveness of ownership on exercise adherence. Participants exercised in two separate exercise programs during the course of the study. Measures were taken on the: (a) number of fully completed workouts, (b) number of partially completed workouts, (c) number of missed workouts, (d) rating of perceived enjoyment, and (e) rating of perceived exertion. It was expected that each participant's attendance level would become more consistent and even be somewhat higher during the ownership phase. In addition, perceived exertion and enjoyment were also expected to be more consistent. Of the 6 participants, 4 showed the expected change in at least one measure.

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Bennett, Roberta J. "Exploring the effects of parasocial connection on relaxation exercise persistence in women." Thesis, Capella University, 2016. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=10154204.

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This study explored the possibility that social connection is one element that can contribute to persistence in a simple meditation exercise using Beary, Benson, and Klemchuk’s relaxation response exercise with the addition of a social element. Participants were 82 females, ages 30 to 65, with English as a first language, naive (less than 2 months experience) to meditation, who were drawn from the general population. They were screened to exclude hospitalized individuals and those who have been treated for a psychological condition within the last three years. Participants were randomized to two groups. Each group received written instructions, with the control group receiving generic instructions only and the experimental group receiving the same instructions with the addition of a social element. It was expected that the group receiving instructions with a social element would show greater persistence (i.e., participate more often in the exercise and continue to use the exercise over a longer time span) at a minimum p value of .05 and with at least a small effect size. It was expected that attachment type would moderate persistence, so attachment type was measured. The persistence data were not normally distributed, so a nonparametric equivalent to a t test, a Mann-Whitney U, was used to compare the persistence means for the experimental group and the control group. No significant effect was found. The sample obtained had too few individuals by attachment type per group to permit analysis of moderating effects of attachment type.

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LeBlanc, Lynne. "The influence of motivation and barriers on stages of exercise behavior change." Thesis, National Library of Canada = Bibliothèque nationale du Canada, 1999. http://www.collectionscanada.ca/obj/s4/f2/dsk1/tape10/PQDD_0005/MQ46588.pdf.

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Laszewski, Gayle Ann. "The effect of headphone music on exercise compliance." Scholarly Commons, 1988. https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/uop_etds/2148.

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A study was designed to assess the effect of headphone music on running performance and enjoyment with its implications for increasing exercise compliance. A counterbalanced split-plot design was used with 18 University of the Pacific undergraduates receiving both treatment conditions: running with music and running without music. Measures included: (a) perceived enjoyment questionnaire scores; (b) running time; and (c) heart rate. It was expected that music would increase participants' rated running enjoyment, amount of time spent running, and also running intensity or heart rate, in comparison to running without music. Music significantly increased participants' rated enjoyment scores but not running time or heart rate. A tendency for participants to run longer when they rated the run as more enjoyable was also observed although the obtained Pearson r was not significant at the p = .05 level.

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Thall, Michelle S. "Exercise & Physical Activity in Middle-Aged Women: The Role of Self-Compassion." The Ohio State University, 2014. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1400837236.

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Laurent, Devin J. "Examining the Mediating Effects of Self-Regulation Skills for Exercise and Exercise Self-Efficacy on the Relationship Between BMI and Physical Activity among Adolescents residing in Appalachia." The Ohio State University, 2020. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1587458498399874.

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Adams, Kristen Lea. "Increasing Exercise in Sedentary Adults Using a Contingency and Technology-Based Management Package to Begin and Sustain New Levels of Activity." Thesis, University of North Texas, 2019. https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1538736/.

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Using a multiple baseline across participants with a changing criterion, this study explored and evaluated the effects of the individualized contingency management package (goal-setting, education, etc.) with sedentary typical adults while focusing on the mentoring component and the use of the technology of the exercise tracker to increase and sustain physical exercise to a level that increased health-benefiting physical activity. During initial mentoring meeting prior to the start of baseline, each participant was given a Garmin Viovsmart 3® exercise tracker, educated on the basic components of the device, and connected to the dashboard through the Garmin Connect™ app on their smartphones. Once each participant's activity stabilized, participant began intervention with weekly mentoring meetings focused on immediate feedback (social reinforcement), goal-setting and education. Through the Connect™ app, experimenter gave social reinforcement on a VR3 schedule to each participant, and participants were encouraged to participate by commenting to other participants through a private group set up for this study. The results indicate that the individualized contingency management package was effective for three of four participants whom increased their total activity minutes from pre-intervention range 0-104 min of weekly activity to post-intervention range of 269-404 min weekly. The two participants that completed two- and six-week maintenance checks continued to increase their total weekly activity minutes. Each of the participants showed increases in exercise during baseline that might suggest the wearable itself, along with basic instruction may be responsible for the increase in activity levels. To our knowledge, this is the first study to isolate an exercise tracker. The exercise tracker created social validity and meaningful change as it allowed participants to choose preferred exercises and plan their own exercise schedules. This helped facilitate natural generalization to their environment. Future research in behavioral health paired with technology will be far-reaching now that real-time assessments and adjustments can be made remotely. To effectively help an individual increase one's exercise and in so doing, help them increase health, has far-reaching significance, both to the individual as well to the societal reduction of the pervasive healthcare problem.

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Islam, Leila. "Using Behavioral Incentives to Promote Exercise Compliance in Women with Cocaine Dependence." VCU Scholars Compass, 2013. http://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/etd/3231.

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To date, low rates of patient compliance have made it impractical to study whether regular exercise can contribute to positive outcomes in women with substance use disorders (SUD). One robust strategy for promoting and maintaining behavior change is contingency management (CM). CM has been used successfully to reinforce drug abstinence, treatment attendance, and other pro-social behaviors. CM delivers incentives (prizes) contingent upon target behaviors, though can be expensive. To reduce costs, CM is often delivered with an escalating variable-ratio schedule, first tested by Petry and colleagues (2005). As a Stage Ib behavioral therapies development project (Rounsaville et al., 2001), the primary aim of the present study was to test the use of behavioral incentives (BI) to promote regular physical activity in a residential SUD treatment setting with cocaine-dependent women. The target was physical activity, which was objectively defined at two levels: 30 minutes of treadmill walking at any pace and treadmill walking at moderate intensity. Specifically, a pilot RCT compared rates of physical activity over a six-week study period in a sample of N = 17 women with Cocaine Dependence. N = 10 were randomized to BI group and n = 7 were placed in the control (C) group. All participants completed baseline assessment, attended a 45-minute health and fitness education class, and were scheduled in exercise sessions three days/week. Those randomized to BI, however, were eligible three days/week, to receive incentives for meeting the target behavior(s). Follow-up assessment occurred at 3-weeks and 6-weeks post-randomization (midpoint and end of intervention), and 4-weeks post-discharge from the residential program. The primary outcome variables (percentage of sessions completed and total time spent in scheduled sessions) were used for effect size estimations, which were then used to perform power analyses so that sample size calculations could be estimated for the design of a Stage II RCT. A significant Group effect demonstrated that the BI group spent a significantly greater number of total minutes in scheduled exercise sessions than the C group. This dissertation provided benchmark data on the utility of BI for promoting physical activity for women with cocaine dependence. These promising findings support the use of BI procedures to promote exercise compliance, which will ultimately allow scientists to better develop SUD programs that directly utilize the mental and physical health benefits of physical activity.

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Samaha, Christopher Jude. "Relationship Between Leisure Sport and Exercise Participation and Psychological Benefits for Horsemen." Diss., Temple University Libraries, 2008. http://cdm16002.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/p245801coll10/id/15824.

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Kinesiology
Ph.D.
This study was a description of horsemen's perceived psychological benefits and liabilities derived from leisure sport and exercise participation. The horsemen that participated in this study were active trainers or grooms who stabled their horses at a training center. Sixty-six horsemen completed the Tennessee Self-Concept Scale: 2, Stress Profile, and this researcher's inventory of horsemen's activities entitled Samaha Horsemen's Activities Questionnaire (SHAQ). Seven horsemen were interviewed to obtain qualitative data. Two of the seven horsemen were omitted from the analysis due to no or limited responses to the questions. Quantitative data results revealed that leisure participation in exercise activities positively correlated with greater well-being, physical self concept, and total self concept scores. There was a statistically significant negative relationship between time devoted to participation in exercise and stress scores. The horsemen that participated in this study work in professional harness racing. An allowable and acceptable leisure activity is gambling. However, results indicated that there were statistically significant negative relationships between time spent gambling and physical self concept, well-being, and exercise and sport participation. Horsemen who were above the median on participation in sport and exercise had significantly higher physical self concept and well being scores than those who were below the median. The results indicate that participation in a variety of exercise and sports as well as time devoted to leisure physical activity had the strongest relationship with improved well-being. Analysis of the transcribed interviews revealed two major themes (limitations and perceived outcomes) and three subthemes within limitations (time, injury, and competitiveness) and perceived outcomes (socialization, physical, and psychological well-being) that described horsemen's participation in leisure sport and exercise. A central conflict emerged within horsemen's reluctance to become assertive in addressing their limitations. Horsemen viewed limitations in participation in sport and exercise as time, injury, and competitiveness. Those who participate in leisure sport and exercise were assertive in addressing their own limitations. The perceived outcomes were physical, socialization, and psychological benefits. Participants expressed that leisure sport and exercise provided possible benefits regardless of their involvement or adherence to an exercise program.
Temple University--Theses

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Paruch, Heidi L. "Perceived Behavioral Control, Stress, Body Image, and Exercise Intentions in Overweight African American Women." ScholarWorks, 2016. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/2860.

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A disproportionate number of African American women are at risk for illness and mortality due to obesity. The aim of this study was to explore perceived behavioral control (PBC), stress, body image, and exercise intentions (EI) using the theory of planned behavior (TPB) as the primary theoretical framework. The TPB is a leading model in health research to predict behavioral intentions, yet its application to the general female African American population is lacking. Seventy-nine African American women were sampled utilizing a cross-sectional, online survey method. A series of bivariate correlations tested the relationships among PBC, stress, body image, age, and physical activity with EI as the dependent variable. Findings showed that PBC and EI were significantly correlated (r = .62, p<.001). There was also a significant correlation between physical activity level and EI (r = .34, p=.003). Stress, body image, and age were not significantly correlated with EI. A standard multiple regression analysis was used to test if PBC, stress, and body image significantly predicted EI. PBC and stress explained 42% of the variance (R-² = .42, F(3,75)=18.49, p<.001). These findings highlight the importance of strengthening PBC beliefs and reducing stress to enhance successful weight loss. Social change implications include a culturally-sensitive approach to weight loss that could help decrease obesity rates and related health problems.

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Lustig, Nicole Helen. "A behavioral economic analysis of the relationship between diet and exercise in adolescents who are obese." Diss., University of Iowa, 2016. https://ir.uiowa.edu/etd/5804.

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Obesity is a substantial public health concern. One subgroup that has shown a large increase in prevalence of obesity is adolescents (12 - 19 years) (CDC, 2014; Altman & Wilfley, 2014; Odgen et al., 2010; Ogden, et al., 2012; Ogden, et al., 2014). This is concerning for two reasons: (a) the strong likelihood of obesity persisting into adulthood (CDC, 2014) leading to co-occurring medical and psychosocial problems (Altman & Wilfley, 2014; Kelsey et al., 2014), and (b) there are few studies demonstrating successful reductions in obesity in children and even fewer successful demonstrations in adolescents (Altman & Wilfley, 2014; Tsiros et al., 2008). One way to evaluate the behaviors related to obesity is through an individual’s choice-making behavior between foods and exercises. Behavior Economic Theory (BET) is an operant methodology used to assess choice making and to describe relationships between choices. The purpose of this study was to describe the relationship between diet and exercise, through the BET framework, in adolescent females who are obese within a single case design. Participants’ recorded daily perceived calories consumed and expended with a concurrent schedules design using an electronic self-monitoring program for baseline (Phase 1). After Phase 1, the researcher presented a choice between diet and exercise and developed a behavioral contract with goals addressing that choice for Phase 2. A subsequent behavioral contract was developed to target the changes in diet or exercise in Phase 3. The participants continued to record daily consumption and expenditure during Phases 2 and 3. IOA was collected by two researchers who independently reviewed the recorded consumed and expended calories on at least 30% of days that the participant self-monitored. For all participants, IOA was calculated across 35.8% of days with an average 96.6% agreement. The results showed that 3 of 5 participants preferred to develop a behavioral contract which targeted exercise, but only one showed weight loss. Two of the 5 participants chose to target diet with the contracts. Similar to the exercise group, weight loss occurred for only one participant. Using the BET methodology to analyze the participant’s engagement in reducing calories, only participants that simultaneously worked on increasing exercise and reducing their calorie intake lost weight, showing a complementary relationship between diet and exercise. Regardless of intervention strategy, these results suggest that adolescent females may have to develop a complementary relationship between diet and exercise to achieve successful outcomes. These results suggest that further analysis of the relationship between diet and exercise are warranted.

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Patrick, Timothy B. "THE EFFICACY OF HIPPOCAMPAL STIMULATION IN PREVENTING DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS." Cleveland State University / OhioLINK, 2011. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=csu1305039642.

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Wallace, Ian Joseph. "The Influence of Physical Activity and Television on the Intention and Self-Efficacy to Engage in Health-Enhancing Behaviors." VCU Scholars Compass, 2006. http://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/etd/1351.

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Cancer and heart disease account for the largest proportion of morbidity and mortality among all adult diseases in the United States. Research has focused on identifying causal risk factors among adolescents. However, theories of health behavior change also stress the intermediary factors of intention and efficacy for effective behavior change. Existing research supports the potential of physical activity (PA), particularly learned through the domains of exercise and sport, as a means to developing these necessary skills (Danish, Petitpas, & Hale, 1993). The current investigation examined the influence of PA and television watching (TV) on intentions and efficacy to engage in health-enhancing behaviors. This was achieved by analyzing data from Building a BRIDGE to Better Health, a school-based health promotion program. Results indicate that independently, PA and TV significantly influence specific as well as general intentions and efficacy. These findings have important implications for adolescent health behavior.

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Perkins, Amanda M. "Influence of Demographic, Psychosocial, Physiological and Sociocultural Variables on Exercise Adherence Among African Americans Enrolled in the Fit 4 Life Study." Diss., Temple University Libraries, 2012. http://cdm16002.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/p245801coll10/id/165901.

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Kinesiology
Ph.D.
Exercise adherence is fundamental in the management of hypertension and other chronic diseases. The purpose of this study was two-fold. The first purpose was to examine patterns of adherence and to describe the influences of demographic, psychosocial, physiological, and sociocultural variables on adherence among African Americans enrolled in the Fit 4 Life study. The second purpose was to determine follow-up exercise behaviors of participants previously enrolled in the Fit 4 Life study. A mixed-methods approach was used with questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. A total of 75 African Americans (mean age = 51.8) who were previously enrolled in the Fit 4 Life study completed a several measures, which included a demographic questionnaire, psychosocial measures (SOC - Short Form; EBBS; BARSE; MHLC - Form C; SLS), and physiological tests (e.g., BMI, blood pressure, fasting glucose, cholesterol). Nine semi-structured interviews were conducted with exercise adherers (n = 5) and non-adherers (n = 4) who returned the questionnaires. Interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis and resulted in the emergence of four themes, and 10 associated subthemes, which described the participants' perceptions of exercise, their environment, and how these elements influence exercise behavior. The major themes were: benefits, barriers, facilitators, African American. Analysis revealed that adherers were able to identify greater physical activity benefits, and developed strategies to overcome barriers to exercise, including finding sources of social support outside of their friends and family. Adherers were also more likely to view self-efficacy as a benefit of exercise, as well as view exercise as an opportunity to focus on themselves. Through a series of chi-square analyses and independent samples t-tests, quantitative results revealed that adherers lived in smaller households and worked part-time. Adherers also had lower diastolic blood pressures, weighed less, had lower resting metabolic rates, less fat mass, and lower BMIs than non-adherers. Finally, adherers perceived fewer barriers to exercise, and had greater life satisfaction than non-adherers.
Temple University--Theses

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Dennison, Colleen Beth, and Bernard M. Bass. "Development of an in-basket exercise designed to measure potential leadership skills by Coleen Beth Dennison." CSUSB ScholarWorks, 2004. https://scholarworks.lib.csusb.edu/etd-project/2769.

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This research is to develop in-basket work samples to measure an individual's willingness and ability to display behaviors that are often associated with successful leadership in organizations as described by Bass.

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Kim, Bang Hyun. "The Effects of Guided Relaxation and Exercise Imagery on Older Adults with a Fear of Falling." Diss., Temple University Libraries, 2009. http://cdm16002.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/p245801coll10/id/30570.

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Kinesiology
Ph.D.
Fear of falling (FOF) is a major health care concern within the elderly population. The main purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a six-week intervention that used Guided Relaxation and Exercise Imagery (GREI) techniques on lowering FOF rates among community dwelling adults aged 60 and above. A total of 184 older adults (mean age = 73.2) participated in a series of mobility (TUG; SLS) and FOF measures (1QFOF; Short FES-I; ABC Scale; EII). Participants were divided into four groups: two placebo control groups (PCG) and two intervention groups (IG). The intervention groups received instructions to use an audio CD containing a GREI program for 10 minutes a day, two times a week for six weeks. The control group received an audio CD that contained two relaxation tracks and were instructed to listen to music of their choice for five minutes after listening to a relaxation track. Through simple paired t-test and ANCOVA analysis, results revealed that the GREI CD had significant effects in reducing FOF (78%) and significantly increasing exercise imagery rates, efficacy in falls related activities, perceived exercise levels, and reducing time in a mobility test (e.g., TUG). There was also a significant reduction in FOF (20%) and significant increases in exercise imagery rates, efficacy, confidence, and a mobility test (e.g., TUG) for participants who had an FOF pretest and were in PCG. However, participants who were in PCG and did not have an FOF during pretest did not have significant differences in any of the tests except for a significant increase in falls efficacy. Overall, this study revealed that using a GREI CD for six weeks helped decrease levels of FOF for older adults aged 60 and above. GREI was also effective in increasing falls-related efficacy, exercise imagery, and perceived exercise levels. Further exploration of GREI and its effects on psychological variables related to FOF and falls may substantiate its effectiveness as a fear of falling intervention.
Temple University--Theses

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Carmichael, Kaitlyn E. "Effects of a Single Bout of Exercise on Neurocognitive Function following Acute Sleep Restriction." Thesis, University of North Texas, 2018. https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1248395/.

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Acute sleep loss may lead to elevated fatigue, decreased energy, and diminished cognitive performance. Traditionally, sleep extension is used to restore mood and cognitive function to baseline levels following insufficient sleep, yet this method may not be feasible or preferred. Acute exercise may serve as an affordable and relatively safe intervention to reduce detriments to daytime functioning following sleep loss. The primary purpose of this study was to examine the effects of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise on neurocognitive function following acute sleep restriction. A secondary aim was to examine the effects of exercise in subjective reports of fatigue, energy, and sleepiness following acute sleep restriction. Fifty-six participants, matched by sex, age, and chronotype, were randomly assigned to either an exercise (EX) or seated control (SC) condition. Following a 4-hour sleep restriction protocol, participants completed the oddball paradigm before and after 20 minutes of exercise or stationary sitting. P3 amplitude and latency, arousal, sleepiness, energy, and fatigue were assessed during the experiment. After controlling for pre-test differences, P3 latency was significantly faster following exercise relative to the control group. No significant P3 amplitude differences were observed between conditions. The EX group displayed significant improvements in arousal, sleepiness, energy, and fatigue compared to the SC group. Findings suggest that 20 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise following acute sleep restriction may improve cognitive processing speeds, as well as improve arousal, sleepiness, energy, and fatigue.

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Morris, Bethany. "Savor the Memory: A Reminiscence Exercise to Increase Positive Emotions and Reduce Depression Risk in Anxious Individuals." Scholar Commons, 2014. https://scholarcommons.usf.edu/etd/5278.

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A growing literature suggests that experiencing positive emotions provides psychological benefits (e.g., Coifman et al. 2007), and interventions increasing positive emotions may reduce depression risk (Geschwind et al., 2011). The present study tested whether reminiscence, a method of positive emotion savoring (Quoidbach et al., 2010), can mitigate depression risk by increasing positive emotions in an unselected sample and a subsample of at-risk anxious individuals. Female participants (n=336) were randomized to a reminiscence or control condition and asked to complete daily mental imagery exercises focusing on a positive memory (reminiscence) or a neutral laboratory memory (control) for one week. As expected, reminiscence exercises produced immediate positive emotion increases compared to control exercises. Contrary to prediction, reminiscence participants did not report higher positive affect or lower depression symptoms at the end of the study week or one month follow up period compared to controls. Future studies in treatment-seeking samples are needed before strong conclusions can be drawn about the long term affective benefits of reminiscence in at-risk or clinical populations. Findings in the anxious subsample revealed no greater benefit of reminiscence versus neutral mental imagery for those with high anxiety. However, across both conditions, anxiety was a strong predictor of positive emotional functioning, with high anxiety predicting low positive emotions even after accounting for depression symptoms. These findings add to prior work suggesting anxiety can blunt positive emotional functioning, and warrant future studies to further elucidate the impact of anxiety on positive emotional functioning and the potential utility of intervening on positive emotions in anxious individuals.

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Hsu, Ya-Ting. "The Effects of a Self-Determination Theory Based Exercise Intervention on Physical Activity and Psychological Variables in Sedentary Overweight or Obese Women: Project CHANGE (To Being a Confident, Healthy, and Goal-Directed Exerciser)." The Ohio State University, 2011. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1312231290.

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Phillips, Amanda S. "Self-Efficacy and Competence: A Physical Activity Experimental Comparison." Thesis, University of North Texas, 2019. https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1538687/.

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Sedentary behavior has been shown to lead to overweight and obesity, which are risk factors for chronic diseases such as cardiovascular heart diseases (CHD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Two constructs have been used to attempt to enhance motivation in order to promote long-term physical activity behavior change: self-efficacy (from Self-Efficacy Theory) and competence (from Self-Determination Theory). Though these constructs are from two different theories and purportedly measure two different concepts, they have been used interchangeably in physical activity research. This project examined similarities and differences in the theoretical explanations of self-efficacy and competence. Participants were college students ages 18 to 53 (n = 194, 65.8% female) who were randomized to one of two intervention groups (competence vs. self-efficacy) or an attention control group, with an overall attrition rate of 0.6%. Repeated measures ANCOVAs controlling for strenuous exercise and BMI showed no within groups or between-groups differences in competence or self-efficacy. Measures of competence and self-efficacy were strongly correlated (r = .74). Further inspection showed both measures were tapping into a third variable: confidence. Additionally complicating the findings is documented evidence of college students over-reporting high confidence levels. Recommendations include incorporating items measuring growing mastery into competence scales and examining this same question for older sedentary adults.

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Kincheloe, Lauren M. "College: A Time to Increase Knowledge and Attenuate Health? A Study into College's Influences on Students' Alcohol Consumption, Physical Activity, and Diet." Miami University / OhioLINK, 2012. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1339431346.

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Pasquariello, Cassandra D. "Enhancing Self-Efficacy in the Utilization of Physical Activity Counseling: An Online Constructivist Approach with Psychologists-in-Training." VCU Scholars Compass, 2013. http://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/etd/3287.

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In our sedentary society, physical inactivity has become the biggest public health concern of the 21st century. In addition to physical health promotion, physical activity has been associated with a number of positive psychological and social outcomes. Psychologists are well positioned to provide physical activity counseling and may have ethical obligations to address physical activity with their clients. Training the next generation of psychologists about the role of physical activity and health is critical to ensure best practices in graduate education. Researchers have cited insufficient training as a barrier to integrating physical activity into clinical work, yet little is known about effective training in physical activity counseling. One way to address these barriers is to employ an online-based training program allowing greater accessibility for doctoral psychology students across the United States. This exploratory study evaluated the effectiveness of a constructivist online interactive intervention, and compared it with a more traditional online content intervention and a control group, for enhancing doctoral psychology students’ self-efficacy in using physical activity counseling. It was hypothesized that 1) online interactive intervention would enhance self-efficacy, knowledge, and use of physical activity counseling compared to the online content intervention; and 2) both of these active treatments would yield improvements in physical activity counseling outcomes (e.g. self-efficacy, knowledge of health benefits of exercise, practice of physical activity counseling with clients, and personal level physical activity) compared with a control group. Results partially supported the original hypotheses. Mixed ANCOVA analyses indicated that participants in both intervention groups showed more self-efficacy at post-intervention assessment compared to their control group peers but the interactive intervention was not more effective than the content based intervention. Participants in the intervention groups demonstrated more targeted knowledge of physical activity counseling at post-intervention compared to their control group peers. No differences were found in the practice of physical activity counseling with clients post intervention. This study indicates there may be promise in using online platforms for enhancing physical activity counseling self-efficacy among psychologists in training. Future studies should continue to assess the effectiveness of physical activity counseling and refine training interventions to examine the effects of such interventions among the next generation of psychologists.

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Preston, Heather Ann. "SMART Start! Examining the Relationship Between Social Cognitive Theory Variables and Physical Activity in a Worksite Walking Program." The Ohio State University, 2012. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1343421761.

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Vanherweg, Clara Therese Louise. "AN EXPLORATORY INVESTIGATION OF THE EFFECTS OF DRAGON BOATING ON THE PSYCHOSOCIAL WELL-BEING OF FEMALE CANCER SURVIVORS." DigitalCommons@CalPoly, 2011. https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/theses/627.

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The purpose of this study was to prospectively examine the effects of dragon boat participation on the psychosocial well-being of female cancer survivors over time and compared with the population-based norms. Nine female cancer survivors belonging to the dragon boat team, SurvivOars, participated in the initial measurement process. The measurement packet was 21 page compilation of psychosocial questionnaires capturing demographics, quality of life, moods, depressive symptoms, perceived stress, self-esteem, self-efficacy, social support, physical activity levels, body image, and sedentary behaviors. After 8 weeks, 8 subjects completed the same follow-up questionnaire to assess changes in psychosocial variables over time. Scores were also compared to population-based norms from previous studies of similar groups of cancer survivors who did not participate in dragon boating. Results indicated no significant changes in psychosocial scores over the 8-week period. However, compared with population norms, significantly better psychosocial functioning was found in the dragon boating survivors compared with non-dragon boating survivors in quality of life, mood, self-esteem, perceived stress, body image, and depressive symptoms (p<0.05). These findings suggest dragon boat participation among female cancer survivors may be beneficial to their quality of life and psychosocial well-being after disease.

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Thomas, Jafra D. "Exerciser self-image and indices of health-related physical fitness." Scholarly Commons, 2014. https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/uop_etds/310.

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Self-belief about exercise strongly influences people's exercise behavior. This relationship may have significant impact on health-related physical fitness and help to address the exercise behavior deficit in the US. However, it is not known if self-belief about exercise significantly impacts physical fitness levels. The purpose of this study was to identify self-beliefs about exercise and determine if these beliefs influence behaviors and result in greater levels of physical fitness. Exercise self-schema theory is a social cognitive psychological theory that is uniquely capable at explaining and predicting chronic exercise behaviors. It posits that established self-images are based on cognitive generalizations about the "self" creates a very powerful and prevailing impetus to behave in ways that correspond with established self-images. Preliminary research has found self-images (also called self-schemas) concerning exercise to more reliably predict both exercise intention and reported exercise behavior better than beliefs concerning exercise alone. In the present study we sought to evaluate whether exercise self-schema theory could differentiate levels of health-related physical fitness in college students. We also included gender as an independent variable to investigate gender-specific behavioral predictability of the theory. The results of this study revealed a significant link between exercise self-schema classification and indices of health-related physical fitness. This link existed independent of gender. In this study exerciser schematics were found to be significantly more physically fit, leaner, and to exercise at significantly greater frequency than individuals not classified as exerciser schematics. These findings provide preliminary evidence that exerciser self-schema is positively associated with increased physical fitness. These results could inform strategies oriented toward modifying exercise behaviors to reduce hypokinetic risk factors for disease.

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Maynard, Brandon W. "From Dawn to Dan: The Journey of Karate Masters." Antioch University / OhioLINK, 2017. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=antioch1495216685379078.

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Neville, Steven P. "Does Stage of Exercise Behavior Predict College Students' Perceptions of Framed Persuasive Messages about Exercise?" Kent State University Honors College / OhioLINK, 2020. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ksuhonors1586780323700907.

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Petosa, Patrick Scott. "Use of Social Cognitive Theory to Explain Exercise Behavior Among Adults." Connect to resource, 1993. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc%5Fnum=osu1219340693.

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Hoepf, Michael Raymond. "A Study of Exercise: Intentions and Behavior." Wright State University / OhioLINK, 2015. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=wright1437324440.

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Lee, Morgan. "Exercise Barriers in Cancer Survivors: A Multi-Dimensional Approach." Scholar Commons, 2013. http://scholarcommons.usf.edu/etd/4717.

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The population of cancer survivors is rapidly expanding, and promotion of health and quality of life for these individuals is a priority. Exercise confers numerous general and cancer–specific benefits, yet many cancer survivors are insufficiently active. Research on perceived exercise barriers in cancer survivors has been limited by methodological and conceptual problems. Recent research suggests barriers may be multi–dimensional, and different types of barriers may be salient depending on whether or not a person intends to engage in a given behavior. Global (i.e., abstract) barriers may be negatively associated with intention, while practical (i.e., concrete) barriers may be positively associated with intention. The present study aimed to examine the utility of a multi–dimensional conceptualization of exercise barriers in cancer survivors and to develop an exercise barriers scale for this population. Participants were 170 breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer survivors (mean age = 60 years, 67% female) who had completed treatment 6–36 months before the study. The study was conducted online in a survey that included measures assessing current exercise behavior, perceived exercise benefits, exercise intention, and exercise barriers. Factor analysis of the exercise barriers measure revealed five factors, which were further condensed into global, practical, and health factors. Total barriers and global barriers negatively predicted exercise intention (ρs < 0.001); practical and health barriers did not predict intention (ρs > 0.05). Accounting for relevant demographic variables and current exercise behavior, total barriers and global barriers contributed significant amounts of unique variance in exercise intention (4% and 7% respectively); however, when perceived benefits were included, only global barriers remained significant. These findings suggest that multi–dimensional conceptualizations of health behavior barriers are worthy of further study and that global barriers may be an important target for interventions designed to increase intention.

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Reuille-Dupont, Stacy. "Impact Psychological Symptom Severity on Leisure Time Exercise Behavior and Perceived Benefits and Barriers to Physical Exercise." Thesis, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, 2015. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=3686498.

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Those with mental health issues often present in primary care with somatic symptoms, utilize more health care, and on average die younger. Physical exercise has the potential to be an effective treatment for comorbid physical and mental health symptoms; however, prescribing exercise for those with mental illness is more complicated. Although physical exercise is a possible intervention, more research is needed to further understand the complicated influences exercise may have on those in mental health outpatient with complicated presentations, trauma histories, disruption to the HPA axis, attachment bonds, and possible complicating substance use. Exercise is dose responsive and research has pointed out intensity of exercise performed matters when attempting to shift physical health. This study used three measurements of symptom severity: Trauma Symptom Checklist–40, Global Assessment of Functioning, and the Patient Health Questionnaire to assess 149 clients presenting for outpatient treatment in a rural community health center. Using the Exercise Benefits / Barriers Scale and the Godin Leisure Time Activity Questionnaire the perception of exercise benefits, barriers, time spent exercising, and intensity levels of exercise was assessed. Those with higher symptom cluster presentations exercised less often and less intensely. Those who had participated in physical exercise over seven days with strenuous or moderate intensity reported less symptoms related to somatoform disorder, depression, panic, and anxiety. Additional findings and implications for future research are discussed.

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Ransom-Flint, Terry. "Implementation intentions, personality, and exercise behavior." Columbus, Ohio : Ohio State University, 2006. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc%5Fnum=osu1162772735.

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Everman, Melinda K. "Self regulation, outcome expectancy value, and exercise role identity as predictors of exercise." Virtual Press, 1998. http://liblink.bsu.edu/uhtbin/catkey/1074551.

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A limited amount of research has been conducted on college students' physical activity levels. According to the 1996 Surgeon General's Report, only one fourth of young adults regularly exercise vigorously. Therefore, there is a need to develop effective exercise intervention programs for young adult populations. There has been no previous research using the variables of outcome expectancy value, exercise role identity, and self-regulation skills. The purpose of the study was to describe the relationship among self-regulation skills, outcome expectancy value, and exercise role identity as predictors of exercise levels. Subjects (n=1 83) represented a convenient sample of students from Personal Health classes at Ball State University. All subjects completed a four-part questionnaire divided into: self-regulation, outcome expectancy value, exercise role identity, and seven day recall. Results revealed that selfregulation and exercise role identity were predictors of vigorous activity, but not moderate activity. Outcome expectancy value was not significantly correlated with any of the dependent variables, except for male vigorous days. This study further support self-regulation and exercise role identity as predictors of physical activity.
Department of Physiology and Health Science

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Lee, Morgan Sophia. "Development and Evaluation of a Hypocrisy Induction Intervention for Exercise." Scholar Commons, 2016. http://scholarcommons.usf.edu/etd/6109.

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Hypocrisy induction is a dissonance-based intervention approach that has been successful in changing a number of health-related behaviors; however, no published studies have evaluated a hypocrisy induction intervention for exercise. The present two-stage study involved developing and subsequently evaluating a hypocrisy induction intervention for exercise in a small-scale randomized controlled trial (RCT). Outcomes of interest were intention to exercise, immediate physical activity-related behavior choice, and short-term (one-week) changes in self-reported exercise and objectively assessed physical activity. Self-esteem was evaluated as a potential moderator of intervention effects. After two rounds of pilot testing in the Development Phase, the intervention was evaluated in a sample of 120 participants (60 each in the exercise intervention and no-intervention control conditions). Participants who received the intervention reported significantly greater intention to exercise than did control participants who did not receive the intervention (p = .02, d = 0.43). Small effects in favor of the intervention were also found for self-reported exercise and objectively assessed physical activity (d = .21 - .35), but these effects were nonsignificant. Self-esteem influenced the effect of the intervention on self-reported exercise: The intervention was more effective for participants with lower levels of self-esteem. The present findings provide preliminary support for use of hypocrisy induction interventions in exercise promotion, but additional research is needed to determine for whom and in what situations this approach is best used.

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Gingrich, Amy Marie. "Effects of Motivational Interviewing on Improving Attitude toward Exercise in College Students." Marietta College / OhioLINK, 2008. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=marietta1220494280.

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Padover, Jessica. "Reducing Problem Behavior in Children with Autism by Implementing Relaxation Exercise Interventions at the Onset of Precursor Behavior." Scholarship @ Claremont, 2018. http://scholarship.claremont.edu/scripps_theses/1169.

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Many children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) engage in problem behaviors (e.g., aggression and self-injurious behavior) that present safety concerns for both the children themselves and others around them. Previous research has shown that treating precursor behaviors that precede problem behavior may prove to be an alternative, safer method for preventing and treating problem behavior. The present study used a multiple baseline design across subjects (n = 4) to assess the efficacy of relaxation interventions on reducing precursor behavior and preventing problem behavior in children with ASD. Researchers first identified precursor behaviors for all participants through observation. During the intervention phase, all four children were taught deep breathing relaxation exercises. After participants received relaxation training, researchers cued relaxation exercises when precursors occurred, and the frequency of precursor, problem, and on-task behavior was observed. Results showed that problem behavior decreased in all participants following the relaxation intervention. Additionally, for the majority of participants, precursor behavior decreased and on-task behavior increased post-intervention. Implications for practice and future research on interventions that target precursor behaviors are discussed.

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Davis, Heather A. "DEVELOPMENTAL TRAJECTORIES OF EXCESSIVE EXERCISE AND FASTING ACROSS THE MIDDLE SCHOOL YEARS." UKnowledge, 2015. http://uknowledge.uky.edu/psychology_etds/80.

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Repeated excessive exercise (EE) fasting behavior, in the absence of binge eating and purging, are important eating disorder behaviors that are not captured by the current diagnostic system. Though they appear to be harmful and distressing for adults, little is known about these behaviors in youth. To begin to understand their development, I studied the course of the behaviors across the three years of middle school (n = 1,195). Both behaviors were present in middle school girls and boys, and youth progressed along different developmental trajectories of engagement in the behaviors. Youth involved in either behavior experienced elevated levels of depression and some forms of high-risk eating and thinness expectancies. Their distress levels did not differ from those of youth engaging in purging behavior or low levels of binge eating. EE and fasting behavior can be identified in the early stages of adolescence, youth differ in their developmental experience of these behaviors, and they are associated with significant distress very early in development.

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Marole, Phelelo 1955. "Perceptions of benefits of exercise and barriers to exercise as a health promoting behavior, and health promoting lifestyle of international students." Thesis, The University of Arizona, 1991. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/558148.

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Tobin, Vannessa J. "Facilitating exercise behaviour change a self-determination theory and motivational interviewing perspective /." Thesis, Bangor University, 2003. http://www.oregonpdf.org.

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Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Wales, Bangor, 2003.
Includes bibliographical references (leaves 203-222). Also available online (PDF file) by a subscription to the set or by purchasing the individual file.

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Hammer, Rodney L. "The Effects of Implementation Intentions on Volunteer Firefighter Exercise Behavior: A Randomized Controlled Study." DigitalCommons@USU, 2010. https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/etd/753.

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The current study used a randomized control design to determine if an implementation intention intervention based on the Health Action Process Approach would increase exercise behavior in volunteer firefighters. One hundred forty-seven male and female volunteer firefighters from nine fire departments participated. The treatment group received a survey that prompted them to create exercise implementation intentions by describing "where," "when," and "how" they will exercise, while the control group survey included a general exercise message. We hypothesized that the implementation intervention would increase exercise behavior while the general exercise message would have no effects on exercise, that earlier stage-of-change exercisers would show greater increases in exercise than late-stage exercisers and that there would be an interaction between the intervention and stage membership such that the intervention would be more effective among firefighters in earlier-stage exercisers. We also hypothesized that the intervention would indirectly decrease sedentary behavior. Negative binomial regression showed that the intervention (p = .03) was a statistically significant predictor of exercise minutes, supporting the first hypothesis. However, using exercise sessions and leisure time as dependent variables, no significant effects were found for the intervention. Thus, hypothesis one was only partially supported by the results. A stronger group-administered implementation intention formation intervention may be more effective in increasing exercise behavior in volunteer firefighters. Participants who self-identified as early-stage exercisers were more likely to increase exercise behavior; however, the effects of stage on behavior change were not significant in any of the analyses, leading to the conclusion that hypothesis two had to be rejected. Further, there was no significant stage-by-intervention interaction in any of the analyses, lending no support to hypothesis three. However, a tendency in the expected direction was detected, suggesting that a low-intensity implementation formation intervention may increase exercise time in early-exercise stage volunteer firefighters more than among late-stage members. In conclusion, this research suggests implementation intention formation influences increased exercise behavior in volunteer firefighters who do not exercise or are not regular exercisers. Future research with a stronger intervention is warranted.

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Checko, Erica Rose. "Personal motivation, body image, health behavior and stage of exercising /." View online ; access limited to URI, 2007. http://0-digitalcommons.uri.edu.helin.uri.edu/dissertations/AAI3298366.

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Mikesell, Matthew. "The Relationship of Appearance Pressures, Exercise Behaviors, and Reasons for Exercise to the Psychological Well-Being of Retired Female Athletes." Thesis, University of North Texas, 2018. https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1248438/.

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Retirement from sport can be difficult for athletes. Physically, retirement is associated with challenges such as weight gain, muscle loss, and degradation of physical skills. Psychologically, retirement has been linked to increased identity confusion, depression, body dissatisfaction, and disordered eating. Research shows that exercise is a way athletes cope with stressors such as psychosocial pressure and retirement. However, exercise is positively correlated with psychological well-being for some individuals, whereas for others exercise is associated with increased levels of depression, anxiety, and body dissatisfaction. Reasons for exercise behavior, as well as the type of exercise in which someone engages, may explain the contrasting psychological outcomes of exercise. I examined perceived societal pressures, exercise, and reasons for exercise in relation to the psychological well-being (i.e., depression, satisfaction with life, body satisfaction) of 218 college female athletes who had been retired from 2-6 years. Through regression analysis, I examined the extent to which the predictors were related to each measure of psychological well-being, controlling for BMI and years since retirement. For life satisfaction (Adj. R2 = .08), exercising to meet potential romantic partner was significant (β = -.158). Higher levels of depressive symptoms (Adj. R2 = .15) were predicted by exercising to improve appearance (β = .198) and feeling pressure to exercise (β = .212). For body satisfaction (Adj. R2 = .42), exercising to prevent illness/injury (β = .197) and to prepare to compete in sport competitions (β = .141) were associated with the increased body satisfaction, whereas a higher BMI (β = -.193) and exercising to improve appearance (β = -.167) were related to decreased body satisfaction. Future research might address psychological predictors immediately post retirement, as this is when retirement may be more stressful.

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Kessler, Kelly L. "Self-Objectification, Body Image, Eating Behaviors, and Exercise Dependence among College Females." Thesis, University of North Texas, 2010. https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc30477/.

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The purposes of this study were to examine the associations between (a) self-objectification, (b) body shame, (c) appearance anxiety, and (d) exercise dependence. Participants (N = 155) completed a demographic questionnaire and a survey packet including the Body Surveillance subscale and Body Shame subscale of the Objectified Body Consciousness Scale, Appearance Anxiety Scale, Eating Attitudes Test 26, and the Exercise Dependence Scale. Correlations were conducted revealing associations between self-objectification, body shame, appearance anxiety, and eating attitudes. Associations were also found between body shame and exercise dependence. Partial correlations were conducting revealing body shame and appearance anxiety mediated the relationship between self-objectification and eating attitudes. Body shame also mediated the relationship between self-objectification and exercise dependence.

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LePage, Marie Louise. "Exercise and Eating Disordered Beliefs and Behaviors: A Study Using Ecological Momentary Assessment." Kent State University / OhioLINK, 2011. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1308140826.

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Greenfeld, Jay Matthew. "Using rational emotive behavior therapy to initiate and maintain regular exercise in college-age men: a qualitative investigation." Diss., University of Iowa, 2011. https://ir.uiowa.edu/etd/2709.

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Engaging in regular exercise has multiple health benefits--for example, physical (Anshel, 2003; Penedo & Dahn 2005); mental (Stathopoulou, Powers, Berry, Smits, & Otto, 2006); emotional (Berger Pargman, & Weinberg, 2002); and social (Anshel, Reeves, & Roth, 2003; Dishman, 1994; Lox, Martin, & Petruzzello, 2003). Unfortunately, there are as many barriers to people exercising (e.g., time, cost, and accessibility) as there are benefits. Consequently, approximately two-thirds of individuals living within the United States do not engage in regular exercise (i.e., 3 days per week for at least 45 minutes; CDC, 2006). Multiple interventions have been implemented to help individuals initiate regular exercise (e.g., psychotherapy, physicians, and community programs), but none of them review how an individual alters his or her thoughts about exercise that could lead to initiation. Addressing an individual's beliefs about engaging in regular exercise will add to the understanding of how modifying thoughts can help lead to initiation. The purpose of the current study was to monitor the use of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)-style interviews to help three male participants who have had difficulties beginning and sustaining regular exercise explore their thoughts about exercise and potentially begin an exercise routine. In this dissertation, a comprehensive background is provided, outlining and explaining definitions affiliated with REBT, exercise, and mental health. Then a thorough literature review is provided, which outlines previous research on exercise interventions. In response to the specific research questions posed, the results of the current study indicate that using a variety of active directive REBT style interviews helped three men modify their beliefs about exercise and consequently improve their motivation to routinely engage in the behavior. Finally, limitations, implications, and directions for future research and practice are provided.

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Weng, Timothy Benjamin. "Brain network predictors of exercise behavior change in sedentary older adults: an emotion and decision making perspective." Diss., University of Iowa, 2018. https://ir.uiowa.edu/etd/6662.

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Given the proliferating aging population, increasing moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and exercise is critical because it enhances overall well-being and reduces the rates of many adverse age-related health conditions. However, intervention efforts to establish sustained changes in MVPA have yielded limited success due their sole focus on conscious factors (e.g., changing goals and intentions). Thus, older adults continue to represent the highest proportion of sedentary adults, despite their knowledge of the widespread health benefits associated with PA and exercise or even their intentions to engage in such behaviors. Consequently, the benefits of PA and exercise are not being fully realized and health problems perpetuate. Developing evidence-based interventions that establish sustained changes in MVPA and exercise behaviors in older adults is a major public health priority, but this requires going beyond social-cognitive constructs. The broad goal of my dissertation is to advance scientific understanding about the neural systems associated with changes in MVPA behaviors among sedentary older adults. Emerging evidence indicates that nonconscious processes also regulate exercise behaviors, stemming from accumulated affective responses from past exercise experiences (e.g., pleasant vs unpleasant). Grounded by current understanding about affect's role on decision-making, the present study hypothesized that physiological changes induced by single bouts of PA serve as somatic markers in the brain that guide future PA-related behaviors. Specifically, my dissertation extended previous research by testing whether acute exercise responses in affect-related brain systems predict PA behavior change following a 3-month exercise intervention. This hypothesis is supported by prior research indicating that self-reported changes in affect (i.e., pleasant/unpleasant feelings) during moderate-intensity exercise reliably predicts future MVPA behavior. The results of my dissertation advances previous findings by investigating how these affective responses to exercise are represented in the brain and how they relate to PA behavior change. I tested my central hypothesis through the following two specific aims: In Specific Aim 1, I investigated whether the acute physiological and neural responses to exercise were related to the subjective experience of exercise in older adults. Healthy, low-active, older participants (N = 34, Age = 67.2 years, 21 females) completed an acute exercise procedure consisting of two within-subjects exercise conditions occurring on separate counter-balanced sessions. During the active condition, participants cycled at a moderate intensity (65% of maximum heart rate), and during the passive condition, their legs were moved by motorized pedals on the same machine and at the same pedal rate as in the active condition. To investigate exercise-related changes in brain function, functional MRI scans were acquired before and after the acute exercise. Additionally, salivary samples were collected throughout the experiment to provide objective biomarkers that have been linked with psychological changes. Finally, participants provided self-reported changes in affect. I found that acute exercise was associated with increases in salivary markers of sympathetic activity and decreases in salivary cortisol levels with no significant differences between conditions. Acute exercise also resulted in observable increases in positive affect with no differences between conditions. Finally, no observable acute exercise-related changes in functional connectivity occurred. In Specific Aim 2, I identified predictors of exercise behavior change from objectively-measured biomarkers and neural systems that are acutely responsive to exercise. After completing the acute exercise sessions, participants began a 3-month supervised exercise intervention. To assess intervention-related changes in unsupervised PA behavior, participants wore a PA monitoring device for 7 days before and immediately after the intervention. Individuals who exhibited a stronger acute functional connectivity response between nucleus accumbens (NAcc) and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) before the intervention were more likely to increase their unsupervised levels of MVPA after the intervention. Given the role of NAcc-mPFC circuitry in affect-based decision making and self-referential processing, the present findings suggest that enhanced cognitive appraisal and awareness of affective changes are related to more sustained changes in long term behavior. This study is the first to demonstrate neurobiological evidence supporting the relationship between positive affective responses to acute exercise and long-term changes in exercise behavior. This research advocates the utility of affect-based measures in tailoring exercise interventions for sedentary older adults.

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Hallam, Jeffrey Steed. "A process evaluation of a social cognitive theory based intervention to promote the adoption of exercise behavior of adults at the worksite." The Ohio State University, 1995. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1334762570.

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Forbes, Courtney N. "Development and Validation of the Expectancies for Body-Focused Coping Questionnaire." University of Toledo / OhioLINK, 2019. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=toledo1564739773263179.

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Myers, Garrett. "Effects of Learned Exercises on Gross Motor Coordination in Children with ASD." Scholarship @ Claremont, 2018. http://scholarship.claremont.edu/cmc_theses/1914.

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The effectiveness of a teaching progression to teach three “Olympic” exercises and improve gross motor coordination was evaluated with four children (3 boys, 1 girl) diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A multiple baseline design across children and within children across activities was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the teaching progression used to teach the physical exercise program, which consisted of three “Olympic” events (long jump, 50 foot dash, and a relay race). Results showed all four participants learned the three “Olympic” exercises, with all four participants mastering at least one of the three exercises. Two participants mastered all three “Olympic” exercises. Additionally, all four participants experienced a significant improvement in gross motor coordination. A posttest follow-up was done one week after the participant finished the third test phase, or mastered the final exercise. These results show that physical modeling, focused feedback, and focused physical modeling can be successfully used to teach children with ASD how to perform physical exercises, as well as the fact that learning how to perform, and actually performing, physical exercises increased gross motor coordination in children with ASD.

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Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Behavioral Exercise Psychology'

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