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http://hdl.handle.net/11375/16275
Title: | A systematic examination of the role of social influence on leisure time physical activity among persons with physical disabilities |
Authors: | Stapleton, Jessica |
Advisor: | Martin Ginis, Kathleen A. |
Department: | Kinesiology |
Publication Date: | 2014 |
Abstract: | The purpose of this dissertation was to systematically examine social influence on leisure time physical activity (LTPA) among persons with physical disability. Study 1 examines sex -differences in Theory of Planned Behavior-based predictors of LTPA among men and women with spinal cord injury, as well as the role of social support in explaining such differences in social cognitions. Results suggest that women feel significantly less control over their physical activity behavior and have lower confidence to overcome barriers to physical activity than do men. Social support predicts perceived control and barrier self-efficacy for LTPA in both men and women. Study 2 identifies the association between social influence and physical activity behavior and social cognitions among persons with physical disability. Findings suggest that there is a positive, medium-sized relationship between social influence and both physical activity behavior and social cognitions among persons with physical disability. These effects are somewhat larger than the effects reported in the previous meta-analysis among able-bodied persons. Study 3 aims to test a model of Social Cognitive Theory variables for predicting level of sport participation (i.e., higher versus lower level) among parasport athletes with physical disabilities. The secondary aim is to identify which operationalization of social support (general support, family support for sport, peer support for sport) contributes to the best fitting model for predicting level of sport participation among parasport athletes. The results suggest Social Cognitive Theory provides a reasonable model for predicting leisure time physical activity among persons with physical disabilities. Further, within Social Cognitive Theory, peer support for sport is an appropriate operationalization of social support for predicting level of sport participation among parasport athletes. Study 4 tests the efficacy of a peer-facilitated, Skype-delivered brief action planning intervention for creating more positive LTPA social cognitions among persons with spinal cord injury than standard care. The findings suggest peer-delivered brief action planning is efficacious for creating more positive social cognitions for LTPA among persons with spinal cord injury than standard care. In sum, these four dissertation studies expand the current knowledge about the magnitude of the relationship between social influence and physical activity among persons with physical disabilities that cause mobility impairment and its potential role in changing LTPA social cognitions and behavior. |
URI: | http://hdl.handle.net/11375/16275 |
Appears in Collections: | Open Access Dissertations and Theses |
Files in This Item:
File | Description | Size | Format | |
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Stapleton Dissertation Submitted Sept 14_ 2014MAC.pdf | 10.53 MB | Adobe PDF | View/Open |
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