Text

theses

The purpose of this research was to examine the relationships among societal norms, exercise self-efficacy and activity related affect on commitment to a plan of physical activity in a sample of low-income Hispanic women and their daughters. Theoretical propositions derived from the Health Promotion Model (Pender, 2011) were tested. The first hypothesis, which stated there would be a significant relationship between societal norms and commitment, was partially supported. The second hypothesis, which stated there would be a significant relationship between exercise self-efficacy and commitment, was partially supported. The third hypothesis, which stated there would be a significant relationship between related affect and commitment to a plan of physical activity, was partially supported. The fourth hypothesis, which stated there would be significant relationship between commitment to a plan of physical activity and participation in physical activity, was partially supported. The fifth hypothesis, which stated there would be a significant relationship between societal norms, self-efficacy, activity related affect and commitment to a plan of physical activity of mothers will be significant predictors of physical activity levels of the daughters, was partially supported. The sixth hypothesis, which stated there would be a significant differences in societal norms, exercise self-efficacy, activity related affect and commitment to exercise between Hispanic women and their daughters was partially supported. Evidence in support of these hypotheses was found among daughters, in relation societal norms and exercise self efficacy, but not mothers. Data was collected at area Hispanic churches. (N= 79) Hispanic mothers and (N= 79) Hispanic daughters. A correlational designed was used. Kendall’s tau_b was used to assess differences between means of mothers and daughters. Actigraph were used in this study for quantitative measurements, which demonstrated low levels of physical activities among mothers and daughters, with both mothers and daughters being in sedentary activity (71%) while they wore the actigraph. Multiple regression did not reveal significant relationships between societal norms, exercise self-efficacy and physical activity enjoyment on a commitment to physical activity with the mothers, and the R2 = .04 which explains only 4% of the variance for mothers’ commitment for physical activity. Multiple regression did however real a relationship between the daughters’ independent variables, societal norms, β = .28, p = .01; and exercise self-efficacy, β = .25, p = .02. The total R2 = .213 which explains 21% of the variance for the daughters’ commitment for PA, which is not a strong predictor for commitment of physical activity. Limitations of this study was the language barrier, limited access to Actigraphs,® and seasonal winter months may have reduced physical activity. Further research is needed with the Hispanic population especially with the key predictor variable of being physically active, exercise self-efficacy. Implication for nurses include education for why and how to be physically active, and to provide physically activity programs that are culturally specific for this population that would provide enjoyment and therefore a commitment to physical activity.

ETD_4824

Ph.D.

Includes bibliographical references

Includes vita

by Suzanne M. Keep

http://hdl.rutgers.edu/1782.1/rucore10002600001.ETD.000068674

doi:10.7282/T3697267

ETD doctoral

The author owns the copyright to this work.