Personal Health Behavior Change

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that physical inactivity has become linked with the alarming prevalence of obesity and related diseases such as cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes mellitus, colon cancer and hypertension not only in developed countries but worldwide. The author points out that the self-efficacy theory, which is a derivative component of Albert Bandura's social cognitive theory, is associated with two other prerequisites for behavioral change - goals and outcome expectancies. The paper relates that the implementation of a behavior modification theory (self-efficacy theory) to the writer's daily lifestyle succeeded in initiating and maintaining physical activity through a structured exercise regimen that was achievable, sustainable and tolerable.

Table of Contents:
Physical Inactivity and Behavior Modification
Objective
Physical Inactivity and Health Behavior Theories
Results and Discussion
Conclusion
Appendix A: The Log

From the Paper:

"During the middle of the week, the writer had to implement pacing measures to ensure the tolerability and sustainability of the exercise regimen. The transtheoretical model, as previously mentioned, provides a descriptive perspective, as can be seen with the writer's contemplation of his goals and outcomes regarding the exercise regimen created, his taking action and maintaining it through the week. It can also be seen that its utility is somewhat limited in this scenario. The health locus of control can be seen in action as the log details deviations of this locus of control from the writer to what he felt after a few days (i.e. pain) as out of his control."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Aiken, L. S., Gerend, M. A., & Jackson, K. M. (2001). Subjective Risk and Health Protective Behavior: Cancer Screening and Cancer Prevention. In Handbook of Health Psychology (pp. 727-740). Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates. Retrieved October 28, 2006, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=109046389
• Baum, A., Revenson, T. A., & Singer, J. E. (2001). Handbook of Health Psychology. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates. Retrieved October 28, 2006, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=109045641
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• Ouellette, S. C., & Diplacido, J. (2001). Personality's Role in the Protection and Enhancement of Health: Where the Research Has Been, Where It is Stuck, How It Might Move. In Handbook of Health Psychology (pp. 175-189). Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates. Retrieved October 26, 2006, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=109045840
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