The roles of self-regulation and self-efficacy in physical activity behavior and correlates of self-regulation in an older adult population

Regular physical activity is recognized as an important factor for prolonging health and preserving quality of life for older adults. By 2030, it is estimated that 20% of the population will be 65 years of age or older. Unfortunately, 28% of adults over age 65 and 16% of adults age 45 to 65 report being completely inactive, and only 36% of adults over age 65 and 43% of adults age 45 to 65 currently meet CDC/ACSM physical activity recommendations. Research supports using theoretical constructs to guide the development of physical activity interventions. However, few interventions are guided by theoretical constructs, and among those that are, few include measures examining construct change or mediation effects on physical activity. Substantial research supports the relationship between self-efficacy and physical activity, and although most studies incorporate self-regulatory strategies, they have not been examined in the older adult population, nor have correlates of self-regulation been explored. Research with young adults suggests that self-regulation mediates the relationship between self-efficacy and physical activity. Therefore, the objectives of this dissertation were to: (1) examine the correlates of self-regulation for physical activity in older adults; and (2) examine the relationship between self-regulation, self-efficacy, and physical activity; specifically, whether self-regulation mediates the relationship between self-efficacy and physical activity in older adults. A convenience sample (N = 296) of older adults (mean age = 70.4 years) was surveyed. Hierarchical regression analysis revealed that sets of health-related, psychosocial variables, and physical activity behavior were independent predictors of self-regulation (model R2 = 0.36, p < 0.0001). Significant predictors in the final model were gender (females), age (older), social support, self-efficacy, and greater physical activity. After controlling for sociodemographic factors, analyses revealed that self-regulation partially mediated the relationship between self-efficacy and physical activity in older adults. These results suggest that self-regulation is important for promoting physical activity in the older adult population, both independently and through effects consistent with mediation of self-efficacy. Therefore, it is important to further examine these relationships, understand factors associated with self-regulation, and use this information in physical activity intervention design for older adults.