title: Wellness motivation in cardiac rehabilitation: the role of self-knowledge in cardiovascular risk modification.
abstract: Understanding the factors that motivate behavioral change is central to health promotion efforts. We used qualitative descriptive methods in an effort to understand the role of self-knowledge in the process of risk factor modification. The sample consisted of 17 men and 7 women with diagnosed coronary heart disease, who were attempting to initiate and sustain programs of cardiovascular risk modification. Participants described self-knowledge in terms of three contextually situated patterns: representational, evaluative, and behavioral action. Results reinforce the motivational role of the self and highlight the importance of understanding dimensions of self-knowledge relevant to cardiovascular risk reduction.
authors.affiliation: Division of Community Health, College of Nursing, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85004, USA.
authors.forename: Julie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Fleury
authors.forename: Constantine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Sedikides
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D019359:Knowledge; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009042:Motivation; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D036301:Qualitative Research; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior; D012648:Self Care / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology; D020377:Self Efficacy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires