| Summary: | In this thesis, I examined the psychological correlates of weight training exercise among 123
older adults (n = 84 females; n = 39 males) who were attending a community recreation
program.Towards this aim, six hypotheses were tested that were formulated within three theoretical
frameworks—the Exercise and Self-Esteem Model, Social Cognitive Theory, and the
Transtheoretical Model of behaviour change. Relationships among the constructs of exercise selfefficacy,
physical self-esteem, psychological health, and exercise behaviour were examined.
Participants completed a battery of measures (Part 1), and a subset of participants completed
additional measures to assess change 10-12 weeks later (Part 2).
Part One. In general although the findings were modest, the results supported the
multidimensional, hierarchical structure proposed by the Exercise and Self-Esteem Model
(Sonstroem & Morgan, 1989). Fourteen of the fifteen correlation coefficients between
psychological health, four physical self-esteem subscales-Physical Self-Worth (domain level),
Attractive Body, Physical Condition, and Physical Strength (subdomain level), and Exercise Self-
Efficacy—were of the expected magnitude and direction. The combination of demographic
variables (gender and age) and physical self-concepts accounted for a small but significant
amount of variance (10%) in psychological health; women were associated with more positive
Overall Mood. As expected, the four physical self-esteem subscales and exercise self-efficacy
correctly classified 66% of exercisers in the action or maintenance stage of exercise behaviour
adoption. Greater Physical Condition Self-esteem was associated with the maintenance stage.
Part Two. Among a subset of the older adult exercisers (n = 67) who completed a
postquestionnaire 10-12 weeks later, psychological health was not predicted by the physical selfconcepts
and exercise behaviour variables. As expected, the combination of physical selfconcepts
accounted for a small but statistically significant amount of variance (13%) in average
duration of exercise per week. Greater Body and Strength self-esteem were associated with more
exercise per week. Furthermore, the three subdomain physical self-esteem constructs (Body,
Condition, and Strength) discriminated between the two stages of exercisers (action and
maintenance).
Ancillary open-ended program-related questions revealed factors that promote and
inhibit exercise participation, and perceived benefits from weight training, consistent with the
three theoretical frameworks. An unexpected finding was the high level of fitness and
psychological functioning of participants. Implications for program design and future research
are discussed.
|
|---|
