title: A longitudinal analysis of efficacy expectations and exercise in older adults.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to consider the longitudinal changes in self-efficacy and outcome expectations for exercise and the impact of these variables on maintaining regular exercise over a 4-year period in a group of older adults living in a continuing care retirement community. There were 78 individuals who completed all four surveys. The participants had at least a high school education, and the majority were Caucasian (99%), female (83%) and either widowed or never married (80%). The mean age of the participants was 84.4+/-5.1 years. Based on repeated measure analysis of covariance, controlling for mental and physical health, there was not a statistically significant difference in self-efficacy expectations (F = 2.0, p > .05) or outcome expectations (F = 2.2, p > .05) over time. There was a statistically significant decrease in exercise over time (F = 9.9, p < .05). Using path analysis it was demonstrated that self-efficacy expectations, outcome expectations, and physical health directly and indirectly influenced maintenance of regular exercise. Age, gender, and mental health had a limited and inconsistent influence on maintenance of exercise. Future research and clinical work should focus on developing and testing interventions that strengthen both self-efficacy and positive outcome expectations in older adults to facilitate maintenance of exercise behavior over time.
authors.affiliation: University of Maryland, Baltimore, 21201, USA. barbresnick@aol.com
authors.forename: Barbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Resnick
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged / Q000523:psychology*; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D020377:Self Efficacy; D014481:United States