| Sign In to gain access to subscriptions and/or personal tools. |
DOI: 10.1177/1359105307078173 © 2007 SAGE Publications Limiting Exercise OptionsDepending on a Proxy May Inhibit Exercise Self-managementAcadia University, Canada, chris.shields{at}acadiau.ca
University of Saskatchewan, Canada We examined the influence of proxy-assistance on exercisers' social cognitions and behavior. Fifty-six fitness class participants reported preference for proxy-assistance and reacted to exercising in different contexts. A 2 (proxy-led vs self-managed exercise context) by 2 (preferred assistance) MANOVA revealed significant assistance by context interactions for self-regulatory efficacy (SRE) and difficulty. Regarding self-managed exercise, high-assistance individuals expressed lower SRE and higher difficulty. Chi-square analysis revealed that significantly fewer high-assistance participants chose self-managed exercise. A one-way MANOVA on preferred assistance indicated that high-assistance participants were less confident, satisfied and perceived their self-managed exercise as more difficult. Results support Bandura's theorizing that use of a proxy can limit SRE of those preferring the proxy's control of their behavior.
Key Words: difficulty efficacy exercise choices proxy-agency
|