Limiting exercise options: depending on a proxy may inhibit exercise self-management.
We examined the influence of proxy-assistance on exercisers' social cognitions and behavior. Fifty-six fitness class participants reported preference for proxy-assistance and reacted to exercising in different contexts. A 2 (proxy-led vs self-managed exercise context) by 2 (preferred assistance) MANOVA revealed significant assistance by context interactions for self-regulatory efficacy (SRE) and difficulty. Regarding self-managed exercise, high-assistance individuals expressed lower SRE and higher difficulty. Chi-square analysis revealed that significantly fewer high-assistance participants chose self-managed exercise. A one-way MANOVA on preferred assistance indicated that high-assistance participants were less confident, satisfied and perceived their self-managed exercise as more difficult. Results support Bandura's theorizing that use of a proxy can limit SRE of those preferring the proxy's control of their behavior.
Shields
Christopher A
CA
School of Recreation Management and Kinesiology, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS, Canada. chris.shields@acadiau.ca
Brawley
Lawrence R
LR
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002170:Canada; D003858:Dependency, Psychological; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019727:Proxy; D020377:Self Efficacy