title: Self-efficacy mediates the relationship between behavioral processes of change and physical activity in older breast cancer survivors.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The degree to which breast cancer survivors use behavioral processes of change has not been investigated. Additionally, the relationship between behavioral processes and other theory-based mediators of adult physical activity behavior has not been extensively studied among breast cancer survivors. The objectives of this study were to: (1) determine the extent to which breast cancer survivors use behavioral processes associated with physical activity behavior change, and (2) examine the inter-relationships between behavioral processes, self-efficacy, and physical activity behavior among breast cancer survivors.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixty-nine breast cancer survivors completed surveys examining behavioral processes and exercise-specific self-efficacy. Six months later they completed a self-report physical activity questionnaire.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Findings showed the majority of breast cancer survivors did not use approximately half of the behavioral processes on a regular basis, and self-efficacy completely mediated the relationship between behavioral processes and physical activity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Health care professionals may help enhance self-efficacy and ultimately increase physical activity behavior in breast cancer survivors by teaching behavior skills such as enlisting social support.
authors: Department of Exercise Science, Donna and Allan Lansing School of Nursing and Health Sciences, Bellarmine University, Louisville, KY 40205, USA. ploprinzi@bellarmine.edu
authors: Paul D
authors: PD
authors: Loprinzi
authors: Bradley J
authors: BJ
authors: Cardinal
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009043:Motor Activity; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*