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Impact of a brief intervention on physical activity and social cognitive determinants among working mothers: a randomized trial

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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.

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Acknowledgments

This study was supported by the Coca-Cola Company Doctoral Student Grant on Behavior Research Fund and the Raymond and Rosalee Weiss Research Endowment from the American College of Sports Medicine Foundation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Kinesiology, Kansas State University, 8D Natatorium, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA

    Emily L. Mailey

  2. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA

    Edward McAuley

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  1. Emily L. Mailey
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  2. Edward McAuley
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Correspondence to Emily L. Mailey.

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Research was completed at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

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Mailey, E.L., McAuley, E. Impact of a brief intervention on physical activity and social cognitive determinants among working mothers: a randomized trial. J Behav Med 37, 343–355 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10865-013-9492-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10865-013-9492-y

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