Effects of Cognitive Restructuring Techniques on Physical Activity in Older Adults

Abstract

Background: : This study examined the effects of cognitive restructuring techniques on self-efficacy and physical activity. Methods: An intervention was designed to increase the self-efficacy of 61 older adults and then evaluated to measure the effectiveness of the intervention. A pretest/posttest analysis of variance was conducted to look for differences in knowledge, attitudes, physical activity, and self-efficacy. Results: Significance was found on the knowledge assessment, F(1, 59)=18.570, p<.01; attitude assessment, F (1, 54)=6.317, p<.05; physical activity assessment, F (1, 54)=5.054, p<.05; confidence portion of self-efficacy, F (1, 44)=6.477, p<.05; control portion of self-efficacy, F (1, 57)=4.475, p<.05; and the PPA portion of selfefficacy, F (1, 58)=4.580, p<.05. Conclusions: Results showed not only a change in self-efficacy, but in actual behavior change or an increase in physical activity. This behavior was maintained at one-month follow-up. Results indicate that an intervention on this level is sufficient to produce a change in knowledge, attitudes and behavior.