title: Impact of a brief intervention on physical activity and social cognitive determinants among working mothers: a randomized trial.
abstract: Working mothers exhibit high levels of inactivity, and theory-based interventions to bolster physical activity within this population are needed. This study examined the effectiveness of a brief social cognitive theory-based intervention designed to increase physical activity among working mothers. Participants (N = 141) were randomly assigned to an intervention only, intervention plus follow-up support, or waitlist control condition. The intervention consisted of two group-based workshop sessions designed to teach behavior modification strategies using social cognitive theory. Data were collected at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and 6-month follow-up. Results showed intervention participants exhibited short-term increases in physical activity, which were partially maintained 6 months later. Improvements in physical activity were mediated by increases in self-regulation and self-efficacy. This study provides some support for the effectiveness of a brief intervention to increase physical activity among working mothers. Future programs should explore alternative support mechanisms which may lead to more effective maintenance of initial behavior changes.
authors: Department of Kinesiology, Kansas State University, 8D Natatorium, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA, emailey@ksu.edu.
authors: Emily L
authors: EL
authors: Mailey
authors: Edward
authors: E
authors: McAuley
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D003071:Cognition; D004493:Education; D004651:Employment; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D009043:Motor Activity; D010349:Patient Compliance; D011614:Psychotherapy, Brief; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012927:Social Control, Informal; D012944:Social Support