LE3 .A278 2013

2013

Shields, Chris

Acadia University

Bachelor of Kinesiology

Honours

Kinesiology

Kinesiology

Physical activity promotion is a public health priority. Research has consistently shown self-efficacy for performing and managing exercise to be a key predictor of engaging in regular exercise. Research also highlights the role self-presentational efficacy (the confidence to present oneself as a regular exerciser) plays in determining exercise behavior. However, engaging in exercise for self-presentational reasons is thought to be less adaptive and result in shorter term adherence. While counterintuitive, there is work demonstrating that athletes have been shown to engage in maladaptive exercise-related self-presentation, such as self-handicapping. Further research also suggests that health professionals such as nutritionists may engage in maladaptive eating behaviors, such as disordered eating patterns. Kinesiology students represent the next generation of health professionals with the requisite skills to work within the field of exercise promotion. As such they will be looked to as key resources for the promotion of exercise as well as models of an active and healthy lifestyle. This poses the question of whether or not differences in self-presentation and self-efficacy exist among exercise and/or health professional. The purpose of this review is to examine general factors that influence physical activity behaviors.

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https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:1007